Biphenyl compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists

ABSTRACT

The invention provides compounds of formula I: 
                         
wherein a, b, c, d, f, W, Q, Y, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/372,251, filed Mar. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,562, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/660,503, filed on Mar. 10, 2005; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to novel biphenyl compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist or anticholinergic activity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such biphenyl compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such biphenyl compounds and methods of using such biphenyl compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.

2. State of the Art

Pulmonary or respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, afflict many millions of people worldwide and such disorders are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

Muscarinic receptor antagonists are known to provide bronchoprotective effects and therefore, such compounds are useful for treating respiratory disorders such as COPD and asthma. When used to treat such disorders, muscarinic receptor antagonists are typically administered by inhalation. However, even when administered by inhalation, a significant amount of the muscarinic receptor antagonist is often absorbed into the systemic circulation resulting in systemic side effects such as dry mouth, mydriasis and cardiovascular side effects.

Additionally, many inhaled muscarinic receptor antagonists have a relatively short duration of action requiring that they be administered several times per day. Such a multiple-daily dosing regime is not only inconvenient but also creates a significant risk of inadequate treatment due to patient non-compliance with the required frequent dosing schedule.

Accordingly, a need exists for new muscarinic receptor antagonists. In particular, a need exists for new muscarinic receptor antagonists that having high potency and reduced systemic side effects when administered by inhalation. Additionally, a need exists for inhaled muscarinic receptor antagonists having a long duration of action thereby allowing for once-daily or even once-weekly dosing. Such compounds are expected to be particularly effective for treating pulmonary disorders, such as COPD and asthma, while reducing or eliminating side effects such as dry-mouth and constipation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel biphenyl compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist or anticholinergic activity. Among other properties, compounds of the invention are expected to possess high potency and reduced systemic side effects when administered by inhalation and to have a long duration of action.

One aspect of the invention relates to a compound of formula I:

wherein:

a is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 5;

each R¹ is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, halo, —OR^(1a), —C(O)OR^(1b), —SR^(1c), —S(O)R^(1d), S(O)₂R^(1e), —NR^(1f)R^(1g), NR^(1h)S(O)₂R^(1i), and —NR^(1j)C(O)R^(1k); where each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R^(1c), R^(1d), R^(1e), R^(1f), R^(1g), R^(1h), R^(1i), R^(1j), and R^(1k) is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl;

b is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 4;

each R² is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, halo, —OR^(2a), —C(O)OR^(2b), SR^(2c), —S(O)R^(2d), —S(O)₂R^(2e), NR^(2f)R^(2g), NR^(2h)S(O)₂R^(2i), and —NR^(2j)C(O)R^(2k); where each of R^(2a), R^(2b), R^(2c), R², R^(2e), R^(2f), R^(2g), R^(2h), R^(2i), R^(2j), and R^(2k) is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl;

W represents O or NW^(a), where W^(a) is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl;

c is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5;

each R³ independently represents (1-4C)alkyl or two R³ groups are joined to form (1-3C)alkylene, (2-3C)alkenylene or oxiran-2,3-diyl;

d and f are independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 10, provided that the number of contiguous atoms in the shortest chain between the two nitrogen atoms is in the range of from 7 to 17;

Q is selected from:

where R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (3-6C)cycloalkyl, or are taken together to form (2-4C)alkylene or (2-3C)alkenylene;

Y is selected from

where:

R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-4C)cycloalkyl, —C(O)(1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)OR^(4a), —C(O)heterocyclyl, —C(O)CH(NH₂)(1-4C)alkyleneX, -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)X′, —C(O)(1-4C)alkyleneX′, and —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyleneX′; where X is a nitrogen-containing substituent selected from —NR^(4c) and heteroaryl; X′ is a nitrogen-containing substituent selected from —NR^(4d)R^(4e) and heterocyclyl; R^(4a) is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; each of R^(4b), R^(4c), R^(4d) and R^(4e) independently represents hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl or hydroxyphenyl, and where (1-4C)alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from amido, cyano, furyl, hydroxyl, and methylimidazolyl; the heterocyclyl contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, and is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, amido, (1-4C)alkoxy, oxo, —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyl, —(CH₂)O(1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(4f)R^(4g) and —C(O)NR^(4h)R^(4i), where each of R^(4f), R^(4g), R^(4h) and R^(4i) independently represents hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; and the heteroaryl contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms;

Z is selected from (1-3C)alkylene, —C(O)(1-3C)alkylene, (1-3C)alkyleneC(O)—, —SO₂—, —SO₂(1-3C)alkylene and (1-3C)alkyleneSO₂—; where the alkylene group in any Z is optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl and —NR^(Za)R^(Zb); wherein R^(Za) and R^(Zb) are independently selected from hydrogen and (1-4alkyl);

p is 0, 1 or 2;

each R⁵ independently represents (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, nitro, halo, N,N-di(1-4C)alkylamino(2-4C)alkoxy, —OR^(5a), —C(O)OR^(5b), —SR^(5c), S(O)R^(5d), —S(O)₂R^(5e) or —NR^(5f)R^(5g); each of R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c), R^(5d), R^(5e), R^(5f) and R^(5g) is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl, wherein each phenyl group is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy; and

R⁶ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), and phenyl, each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; or R⁶ is taken together with R⁵ to form a ring having 1 to 2 oxygen atoms, where said ring is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 (1-4C)alkyl substituents;

q is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3;

r is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4;

each R⁷ independently represents fluoro or (1-4C)alkyl;

R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, —OH, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(8a)R^(8b), —C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b), and —CH₂C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b), where R^(8a) and R^(8b) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy, (1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkyleneOR^(8c), (3-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, and (1-4C)alkyleneC(O)NR^(8d)R^(8e), where said (3-6C)cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 (1-6C)alkyl or —NR^(8d)R^(8e) groups, and where each of R^(8c), R^(8d) and R^(8e) is independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; or R^(9a) is taken together with R^(1b) to form a 3-7 membered ring, optionally substituted with hydroxyl;

R⁹ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, and -(1-4C)alkyleneheteroaryl; and

R¹⁰ is selected from (1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, -(1-4C)alkyleneheteroaryl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, -(1-4C)alkylene(3-6C)cycloalkyl, and -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)NR^(10a)R^(10b), where R^(10a) and R^(10b) are independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ are taken together to form a ring selected from piperazinone, morpholine, and piperazine; and said piperazine is substituted with (R^(10c))_(w) where w is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3 and each R^(10c) is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents, or two R^(10c) groups are joined to form (1-3C)alkylene;

wherein each alkyl and alkoxy group in R¹, R^(1a-1k), R², R^(2a-2k), R³, R⁵, R^(5a-5g), R⁶, R^(6a-b), and R^(8a-e) is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof.

Another aspect of the invention pertains to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to compositions comprising a compound of formula I in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to a composition comprising (a) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof; and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of an agent selected from a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent such as a corticosteroid; a β₂ adrenergic receptor agonist; a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor; or a combination thereof; wherein the compound of formula I and the agent are formulated together or separately. When the agent is formulated separately, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may be included.

Compounds of the invention possess muscarinic receptor antagonist activity. Accordingly, compounds of formula I are expected to be useful for treating pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for treating a pulmonary disorder, comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof.

Still another aspect of the invention pertains to a method of producing bronchodilation in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a bronchodilation-producing amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. In one embodiment, the compound is administered by inhalation.

The invention is also directed to a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for antagonizing a muscarinic receptor in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal, a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I.

Since compounds of the invention possess muscarinic receptor antagonist activity, such compounds are also useful as research tools. Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for using a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof as a research tool for studying a biological system or sample, or for discovering new chemical compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist activity.

The invention is also directed to processes and novel intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula I, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and stereoisomers thereof. Accordingly, another aspect of the invention relates to a process of preparing a compound of formula I, comprising:

-   -   (a) reacting a compound of formula II with a compound of formula         III; or     -   (b) coupling a compound of formula IV with a compound of formula         V; or     -   (c) reacting a compound of formula VIa with a compound of         formula VIIIa, or reacting a compound of formula VIb with a         compound of formula VIIb or VIIc; or     -   (d) reacting a compound of formula II with a compound of formula         VIII in the presence of a reducing agent; or     -   (e) reacting a compound of formula IX with a compound of formula         X, VIIb or VIIc in the presence of a reducing agent; and then         removing any protecting groups, if necessary, to provide a         compound of formula I; wherein compounds of formula I-X are as         defined herein.

In one embodiment, the above process further comprises the step of forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula I. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to the other processes described herein; and to the product prepared by any of the processes described herein.

The invention is also directed to a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof, for use in therapy or as a medicament.

Additionally, the invention is directed to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament; especially for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary disorder or for antagonizing a muscarinic receptor in a mammal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present invention are illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern of a crystalline monopropionate salt of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4-hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester.

FIG. 2 shows a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) trace and a thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) trace for this crystalline salt.

FIG. 3 is a micrographic image of this crystalline salt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to novel biphenyl compounds of formula I, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or stereoisomers thereof. These compounds may contain one or more chiral centers and therefore, the invention is directed to racemic mixtures; pure stereoisomers (i.e., enantiomers or diastereomers); stereoisomer-enriched mixtures and the like unless otherwise indicated. When a particular stereoisomer is shown or named herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that minor amounts of other stereoisomers may be present in the compositions of the invention unless otherwise indicated, provided that the desired utility of the composition as a whole is not eliminated by the presence of such other isomers.

The compounds of formula I also contain several basic groups (e.g., amino groups) and therefore, compounds of formula I can exist as the free base or in various salt forms. All such salt forms are included within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, solvates of compounds of formula I or salts thereof are included within the scope of the invention.

Additionally, where applicable, all cis-trans or E/Z isomers (geometric isomers), tautomeric forms and topoisomeric forms of the compounds of formula I are included within the scope of the invention unless otherwise specified.

The compounds of formula I, as well as those compounds used in their synthesis, may also include isotopically-labeled compounds, i.e., where one or more atoms have been enriched with atoms having an atomic mass different from the atomic mass predominately found in nature. Examples of isotopes that may be incorporated into the compounds of formula I include, but are not limited to, ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O and ¹⁷O.

The nomenclature used herein to name the compounds of the invention is illustrated in the Examples herein. This nomenclature has been derived using the commercially-available AutoNom software (MDL, San Leandro, Calif.). For example, compounds of formula I wherein W is O have typically been named as ester derivatives of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid.

Representative Embodiments

The following substituents and values are intended to provide representative examples of various aspects and embodiments of the invention. These representative values are intended to further define and illustrate such aspects and embodiments and are not intended to exclude other embodiments or to limit the scope of the invention. In this regard, the representation that a particular value or substituent is preferred is not intended in any way to exclude other values or substituents from the invention unless specifically indicated.

The value for a is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; particularly 0, 1 or 2, and even more particularly 0 or 1. The value for b is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; particularly 0, 1 or 2, and even more particularly 0 or 1. In one embodiment, a is 0. In another embodiment, b is zero. In yet another embodiment, both a and b are 0.

When present, each R¹ may be at the 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached. Each R¹ is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, halo, —OR^(1a), —C(O)OR^(1b), —SR^(1c), —S(O)R^(1d), —S(O)₂R^(1c), —NR^(1f)R^(1g), —NR^(1h)S(O)₂R¹¹, and —NR^(1j)C(O)R^(1k), examples of which include methyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxy, methoxy, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino and the like. Particular values for R¹ are fluoro or chloro.

When present, each R² may be at the 3, 4, 5 or 6-position on the phenylene ring to which it is attached (where the carbon atom on the phenylene ring attached to the nitrogen atom is position 1). Each R² is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, halo, —OR^(2a), —C(O)OR^(2b), —SR^(2c), S(O)R^(2d), —S(O)₂R^(2e), —NR^(2f)R^(2g), —NR^(2h)S(O)₂R^(2i), and —NR^(2j)C(O)R^(2k), examples of which include methyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxy, methoxy, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino and the like. Particular values for R² are fluoro or chloro.

Each R^(1a-1k) and R^(2a-2k) group as used in R¹ and R², respectively, is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl, examples of which include hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl or benzyl. In one embodiment, these groups are independently hydrogen or (1-3C)alkyl. In another embodiment, these groups are independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. In addition, each alkyl and alkoxy group in R¹, R^(1a-1k), R², and R^(2a-2k) is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents.

W can be O or NW^(a). Generally, it has been found that compounds in which W represents O exhibit particularly high affinity for muscarinic receptors. Accordingly, in a particular embodiment of the invention, W represents O.

When W is NW^(a), W^(a) is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, examples of which include hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl. In one embodiment, W^(a) is hydrogen or (1-3C)alkyl. In another embodiment, W^(a) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, particularly hydrogen or methyl. In yet another embodiment, W^(a) is hydrogen.

The value for c is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; particularly 0, 1, or 2; and more particularly 0 or 1. In one particular embodiment, c is 0.

In one embodiment, each R³ is at the 3, 4 or 5-position on the piperidine ring (where the nitrogen atom of the piperidine ring is position 1). In a particular embodiment, R³ is at 4-position on the piperidine ring. In another embodiment, R³ is at the 1-position of the piperidine ring, i.e., on the nitrogen atom of the piperidine ring thus forming a quaternary amine salt. Each R³ is independently (1-4C)alkyl, or two R³ groups are joined to form (1-3C)alkylene, (2-3C)alkenylene or oxiran-2,3-diyl. In one embodiment, each R³ is independently (1-4C)alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl. In addition, each alkyl group in R³ is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents. In one embodiment, each R³ is independently (1-4C) alkyl, and in another embodiment, each R³ is independently methyl or ethyl.

In yet another embodiment, two R³ groups are joined to form a (1-3C)alkylene or (2-3C)alkenylene group. For example, two R³ groups at the 2 and 6-positions on the piperidine ring can be joined to form an ethylene bridge (i.e., the piperidine ring and the R³ groups form an 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring); or two R³ groups at the 1 and 4-positions on the piperidine ring can be joined to form an ethylene bridge (i.e., the piperidine ring and the R³ groups form an 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ring). In this embodiment, other R³ groups as defined herein may also be present.

In still another embodiment, two R³ groups are joined to form a oxiran-2,3-diyl group. For example, two R³ groups at the 2 and 6-positions on the piperidine ring can be joined to form a 3-oxatricyclo[3.3.1.0^(2,4)]nonane ring). In this embodiment, other R³ groups as defined herein may also be present.

The value for d and f is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 10. In one embodiment, d is 0 or 1. In another embodiment, f is 0, 1 or 3. In addition, the number of contiguous atoms in the shortest chain between the two nitrogen atoms is in the range of from 7 to 17, i.e. between the nitrogen atom in the piperidyl ring and the nitrogen atom in the “Y” group. In one embodiment, the number of contiguous atoms in the shortest chain between the two nitrogen atoms is in the range of from 7 to 9. In another embodiment, the number of contiguous atoms in the shortest chain between the two nitrogen atoms is in the range of from 16 to 17.

Q is selected from:

where R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (3-6C)cycloalkyl, or are taken together to form (2-4C)alkylene or (2-3C)alkenylene.

In one particular embodiment, Q is:

where R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (3-6C)cycloalkyl. In one embodiment, R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are both hydrogen. In another embodiment, R^(Qa) is hydrogen and R^(Qb) is methyl. In another embodiment, R^(Qa) is methyl and R^(Qb) is hydrogen. As noted above, the values for d and f are selected so that the number of contiguous atoms in the shortest chain between the two nitrogen atoms is in the range of from 7 to 17. Thus, for this embodiment of Q, which provides three contiguous atoms in the chain, the sum of d and f is within the range of 0-10.

In another particular embodiment, R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form (2-4C)alkylene, which can be depicted as:

where the value for e is 1, 2 or 3. In one embodiment, e is 1, i.e., R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form ethylene.

In another embodiment R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form (2-3C)alkenylene. In a particular embodiment of R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form ethenylene, which can be depicted as:

In another specific embodiment, Q is:

For this embodiment of Q, which provides four contiguous atoms in the chain, the sum of d and f is within the range of 0-9.

Y is selected from

In one particular embodiment, Y is

R⁴ represents hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-4C)cycloalkyl, —C(O)(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkyleneC(O)OR^(4a), —C(O)heterocyclyl, —C(O)CH(NH₂)(1-4C)alkyleneX, -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)X′, —C(O)(1-4C)alkyleneX′, or —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyleneX′. X is a nitrogen-containing substituent selected from —NR^(4b)R^(4c) and heteroaryl. X′ is a nitrogen-containing substituent selected from —NR^(4d)R⁴ and heterocyclyl. R^(4a) is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl. Each of R^(4b), R^(4c), R^(4d) and R^(4c) independently represents hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl or hydroxyphenyl, and (1-4C)alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from amido, cyano, furyl, hydroxyl, and methylimidazolyl. The heterocyclyl contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, and is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, amido, (1-4C)alkoxy, oxo, —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyl, —(CH₂)O(1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(4f)R^(4g) and —C(O)NR^(4h)R^(4i), where each of R^(4f), R^(4g), R^(4h) and R^(4i) independently represents hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl. The heteroaryl contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms. The heterocyclyl and heteroaryl groups may contain other heteroatoms, in addition to the 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms. For example the heterocyclyl can be a morpholinyl group.

In one embodiment, R⁴ represents hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, or (3-4C)cycloalkyl, examples of which include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, cyclopropyl and cyclobutyl. In another embodiment, R⁴ represents hydrogen or (1-3C)alkyl, particularly methyl. In another particular embodiment, R⁴ is methyl. In yet another embodiment, R⁴ is hydrogen.

In one embodiment, R⁴ is —C(O)(1-4C)alkyl. Particular embodiments include where R⁴ is —C(O)CH₃ and —C(O)CH₂CH₃.

In another embodiment, R⁴ is -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)OR^(4a). In particular embodiments, R⁴ is —(CH₂)₂C(O)OH or —(CH₂)₂C(O)OCH₃.

In yet another embodiment, R⁴ is —C(O)heterocyclyl. In a particular embodiment, the heterocyclyl contains 1 nitrogen atom, and is unsubstituted or substituted with a hydroxyl. Particular embodiments include where the heterocyclyl is pyrrolidinyl, hydroxypyrrolidinyl or piperidyl.

In another embodiment, R⁴ is —C(O)CH(NH₂)(1-4C)alkyleneX. In one particular embodiment, X is —NR^(4b)R^(4c) such as —NH₂. In another embodiment, X is a heteroaryl such as pyridyl or imidazolyl.

In a particular embodiment, R⁴ is -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)X′, where X′ is —NR^(4d)R^(4e), for example —(CH₂)₂C(O)NR^(4d)R⁴. In one embodiment, R^(4d) and R^(46e) are both (1-4C)alkyl, and methyl in particular. In another embodiment, R^(4d) is hydrogen and R^(4e) is selected from (1-4C)alkyl (such as methyl and ethyl), (3-6C)cycloalkyl (such as cyclopropyl) and hydroxyphenyl. In one embodiment, the (1-4C)alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with furyl, hydroxyl or methylimidazolyl.

In a particular embodiment, R⁴ is -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)X′, where X′ is a heterocyclyl, for example —(CH₂)₂C(O)heterocyclyl. In one embodiment, the heterocyclyl contains 1 nitrogen atom such as piperidyl, and is substituted with an amido.

In still another embodiment, R⁴ is —C(O)(1-4C)alkyleneX′, where X′ is —NR^(4d)R^(4e), for example —C(O)CH₂NR^(4d)R^(4e), —C(O)(CH₂)₂NR^(4d)R^(4e), and —C(O)(CH₂)₃NR^(6d)R^(6e). In a particular embodiment, each of R^(4d) and R^(4e) independently represents hydrogen, or (1-4C)alkyl. In another embodiment, R^(4d) is hydrogen or methyl and R^(4e) is (1-4C)alkyl substituted with amido, cyano, furyl, or hydroxyl.

In still another embodiment, R⁴ is —C(O)(1-4C)alkyleneX′, where X′ is a heterocyclyl such as —C(O)(CH₂)heterocyclyl, —C(O)(CH₂)₂heterocyclyl and —C(O)(CH₂)₃heterocyclyl. In one embodiment, the heterocyclyl contains 1 nitrogen atom such as pyrrolidinyl or piperidyl. In another embodiment, the heterocyclyl contains 2 nitrogen atoms such as piperazinyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl and 1,4 diazepanyl. In a particular embodiment, the heterocyclyl is pyrrolidinyl, unsubstituted or substituted with amido or (1-4C)alkoxy such as methoxy. In a particular embodiment, the heterocyclyl is piperidyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, amido, and (1-4C)alkoxy such as methoxy. In a particular embodiment, the heterocyclyl is tetrahydropyrimidinyl substituted with oxo. In another particular embodiment, the heterocyclyl is piperazinyl substituted with —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyl such as —S(O)₂CH₂CH₃. In yet another embodiment, the heterocyclyl is 1,4 diazepanyl substituted with oxo.

In yet another embodiment, R⁴ is —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyleneX′, where X′ is —NR^(4d)R^(4e) such as —S(O)₂(CH₂)₂NR^(4d)R^(e). In a particular embodiment each of R^(4d) and R^(4e) independently represents (1-4C)alkyl, where (1-4C)alkyl is substituted with hydroxyl, for example —N(CH₂CH₂OH)₂.

In yet another embodiment, R⁴ is —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyleneX′, where X′ is a heterocyclyl such as —S(O)₂(CH₂)₂ heterocyclyl. In a particular embodiment, the heterocyclyl is piperidyl substituted with hydroxyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH such as —(CH₂)₂OH, or —C(O)NR^(4h)R^(4i) such as —(CO)N(CH₂CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, the heterocyclyl is piperazinyl, substituted with oxo.

Z is selected from (1-3C)alkylene, —C(O)(1-3C)alkylene, (1-3C)alkyleneC(O)—, —SO₂—, —SO₂(1-3C)alkylene and (1-3C)alkyleneSO₂—. The alkylene group in any Z is optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl and —NR^(Za)R^(Zb), where R^(Za) and R^(Zb) are independently selected from hydrogen and (1-4alkyl). In one embodiment, Z is selected from (1-3C)alkylene, —C(O)(1-3C)alkylene, (1-3C)alkyleneC(O)— or —SO₂—. Examples of particular values for Z are —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂C(O)—, —C(O)CH(NH₂)CH₂— and —SO₂—. In a particular embodiment, Z is —CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂—.

The value for p is 0, 1, or 2. Particular values for p are 0 or 1. In one embodiment, p is 0. In another embodiment, p is 1.

Each R⁵ is independently (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, nitro, halo, N,N-di(1-4C)alkylamino(2-4C)alkoxy, —OR^(5a), —C(O)OR^(5b), —SR^(5c), —S(O)R^(5d), —S(O)₂R^(5e) or —NR^(5f)R^(5g). Each R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c), R^(5d), R^(5e), R^(5f) and R^(5g) as used in R⁵ is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl, where each phenyl group is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyl, and (1-4C)alkoxy. In addition, each alkyl and alkoxy group in R⁵ and R^(5a-5g) is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents. In one embodiment, each R⁵ independently represents halo, (1-3C)alkyl, (1-3C)alkoxy, or —OR^(5a), where the alkyl and alkoxy groups are optionally substituted with 1 to 3 fluoro substituents. In another embodiment, each R⁵ is independently selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, methyl, methoxy, trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy. In a particular embodiment, R⁵ is —OR^(5a) where R^(5a) is methyl or cyclopentyl.

R⁶ is selected from hydrogen (1-4C)alkyl (1-4c)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), and phenyl; or R⁶ is taken together with R⁵ to form a ring having 1 to 2 oxygen atoms, where the ring is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 (1-4C)alkyl substituents. Each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl. In addition, each alkyl group in R⁶ and R^(6a-6b) is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents. In one embodiment, R⁶ is hydrogen. In one embodiment, R⁶ is (1-4C)alkyl such as methyl or methyl substituted with 2 or 3 fluoro substituents. In another embodiment, R⁶ is (1-4C)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), where each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is independently (1-4C)alkyl such as —(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)₂. In a particular embodiment, R⁶ is phenyl. In one embodiment, R⁶ is taken together with R⁵ to form a ring having 1 to 2 oxygen atoms, and the ring is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 (1-4C)alkyl substituents. Exemplary R⁶/R⁵ chains include, —O—CH₂—O—, —O—C(CH₃)₂—(CH₂)₂—, —O—(CH₂)₂—, and —O(CH₂)₂—O—.

As noted in formula I, the —OR⁶ group can be located at the ortho, meta or para position. In one embodiment, the —OR⁶ group is located at the meta or para position; and in a particular embodiment, the —OR⁶ group is located at the para position.

In another particular embodiment, Y is

The value for q is 0, 1, 2, or 3. Particular values for q are 1 or 2. In one embodiment, q is 2.

The value for r is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. Particular values for r are 0, 1 or 2. In one embodiment, r is 0.

Each R⁷ independently represents fluoro or (1-4C)alkyl, examples of which include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl. In addition, each alkyl and alkoxy group in R⁷ is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents. In one embodiment, each R⁷ independently represents fluoro or (1-3C)alkyl, and in another embodiment, each R⁷ is independently selected from fluoro, methyl, ethyl or trifluoromethyl.

R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, —OH, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(8a)R^(8b), —C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b), and —CH₂C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b). R^(8a) and R^(8b) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy, (1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkyleneOR^(8c), (3-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, and (1-4C)alkyleneC(O)NR^(8d)R^(8e). The (3-6C)cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 (1-6C)alkyl or —NR^(8d)R^(8e) groups. Each of R^(8c), R^(8d) and R^(8e) is independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl. In addition, each alkyl and alkoxy group in R^(8a-e), is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents. In another embodiment, R^(8a) is taken together with R^(8b) to form a 3-7 membered ring, optionally substituted with hydroxyl. In one embodiment, R⁸ is hydrogen. In one embodiment, R⁸ is —OH. In one embodiment, R⁸ is -(1-4C)alkyleneOH such as —CH₂OH and —(CH₂)₂OH. In one embodiment, R⁸ is —NR^(8a)R^(8b) such as —NH², —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, and —N(CH₂CH₃)₂. In one embodiment, R⁸ is —C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b) such as —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)N(CH₃)₂, —C(O)N(CH₂CH₃)₂, and —C(O)NH(CH₂)₂OH.

As noted in formula I, R⁸ can be located at any carbon atom on the ring. For example, when q is 2, R⁸ can be located at the ortho, meta or para position. In one embodiment, R⁸ is located at the meta or para position; and in a particular embodiment, R⁸ is located at the para position.

In yet another particular embodiment, Y is —NR⁹R¹⁰. R⁹ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, and -(1-4C)alkyleneheteroaryl. R¹⁰ is selected from (1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, -(1-4C)alkyleneheteroaryl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, -(1-4C)alkylene(3-6C)cycloalkyl, and -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)NR^(10a)R^(10b), where R^(10a) and R^(10b) are independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl. In one embodiment, R⁹ is hydrogen, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃ or —(CH₂)₂OH. In another embodiment, R¹⁰ is (1-4C)alkyl such as —CH₃ or —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R¹⁰ is -(1-4C)alkyleneOH such as —(CH₂)₂OH. In yet another embodiment, R¹⁰ is (3-6C)cycloalkyl such as cyclopropyl or -(1-4C)alkylene(3-6C)cycloalkyl such as —CH₂-cyclopropyl. In another embodiment, R¹⁰ is -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)NR^(10a)R^(10b) such as —CH₂C(O)NH₂. In another embodiment, R⁹ is hydrogen and R¹⁰ is a -(1-4C)alkyleneheteroaryl group such as pyridin-4-ylmethyl, thiophen-2-ylmethyl, furan-2-ylmethyl and 1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl. In yet another embodiment, both R⁹ and R¹⁰ are -(1-4C)alkyleneheteroaryl groups such as 1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl.

Alternately, R⁹ and R¹⁰ may be taken together to form a ring selected from piperazinone, morpholine, and piperazine. When a piperazine ring is formed, the piperazine ring may be substituted with (R^(10c))_(w) where w is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3. Each R^(10c) is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, all of which may be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents. In addition, two R^(10c) groups may be joined to form (1-3C)alkylene. In one embodiment, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are taken together to form piperazin-2-one. In another embodiment, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are taken together to form piperazine having a 1 carbon bridge such as a 2,5-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ring. In yet another embodiment, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are taken together to form piperazine having a 1 carbon bridge, and the piperazine ring is further substituted with (1-4C)alkyl such as methyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted with fluoro, or benzyl.

Representative Subgeneric Groupings

The following subgeneric formulae and groupings are intended to provide representative examples of various aspects and embodiments of the invention and as such, they are not intended to exclude other embodiments or to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

A particular group of compounds of interest are compounds of formula I where a, b, and c are 0. In another group of compounds of interest, W represents O. In another group of compounds of interest, d is 0 or 1. Another group of compounds of interest are compounds of formula I where f is 0, 1 or 3. Combinations of the foregoing are also of interest. For example, in one group of compounds of interest, a, b, and c are 0; W represents O; d is 0 or 1; and f is 0, 1 or 3.

Another group of compounds of interest are compounds of formula I wherein Q is

and R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are independently selected from hydrogen and methyl, and, in one embodiment, d is 0 and f is 0, 1 or 3. In another embodiment, R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form ethylene and, in one embodiment, d and f are both 1.

In another group of compounds of interest, Q is

and, in one embodiment, d and fare both 1.

Another group of compounds of interest are compounds of formula I where Y is

where R⁴ is hydrogen; Z is selected from (1-3C)alkylene and —SO₂—; p is 0 or p is 1 and R⁵ is —OR^(5a), where R^(5a) is selected from (1-4C)alkyl and (3-6C)cycloalkyl; and R⁶ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (1-4C)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), where each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁶ is taken together with R⁵ to form a ring having 2 oxygen atoms.

In another group of compounds of interest, Y is

where q is 1 or 2; r is 0; and R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, —OH, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(8a)R^(8b), and —C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b), where R^(8a) and R^(8b) are independently selected from hydrogen and (1-4C)alkyl.

Another group of compounds of interest are compounds of formula I where Y is —NR⁹R¹⁰, where R⁹ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and -(1-4C)alkyleneOH; and R¹⁰ is selected from (1-4C)alkyl and -(1-4C)alkyleneOH; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ are taken together to form a piperazinone ring.

As noted above, combinations of the foregoing are also of interest. For example, in one group of compounds of interest, n a, b, and c are 0; W represents O; d and f are 1, Q is

where R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form ethylene; and Y is

In one particular embodiment, R⁴ is hydrogen and Z is (1-3C)alkylene. In another embodiment, p is 0 or p is 1 and R⁵ is —OR^(5a), where R^(5a) is selected from (1-4C)alkyl and (3-6C)cycloalkyl. In yet another embodiment, R⁶ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (1-4C)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), where each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is (1-4C)alkyl.

Another group of compounds of interest are those of formula Ia:

wherein d, f, Q, and Y are as defined above.

In addition, particular compounds of formula I that are of interest include:

-   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(4-hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(2-hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(4-carbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(3-diethylcarbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(3-diethylaminopyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-yl-carbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[3-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-((S)-2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(3-hydroxymethylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(2-hydroxymethylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-((S)-2-dimethylcarbamoylpyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-((R)-2-carbamoylpyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[4-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(3-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-((R)-3-dimethylaminopyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{3-[2-oxo-3-(3-pyrrolidin-1-ylpropyl)imidazolidin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(3-hydroxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[4-(2-hydroxyethylcarbamoyl)piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{3-[3-(3-methylaminopropyl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-yl-carbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-(2-hydroxy-ethylamino)propyl]-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)-piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[ethyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamino]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(3-{3-[(1R,4R)-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-((1S,4S)-5-methyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{3-[3-((1R,4R)-5-benzyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{4-[3-(4-hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[3-(4-{3-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino]propyl}-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{4-[3-(4-carbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{4-[3-(4-hydroxymethylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{4-[3-(3-diethylcarbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{3-[2,5-dioxo-4-(3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-propyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{4-[3-(3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{3-[4-(3-methylaminopropyl)-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{4-[3-(2-hydroxyethylamino)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(3-{2,5-dioxo-4-[3-(3-oxopiperazin-1-yl)propyl]piperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[2-(3-{5-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino]pentyl}ureido)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(2-{3-[5-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonylamino)pentyl]ureido}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(2-{3-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylamino)pentyl]ureido}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[2-(3-{5-[4-(3-dimethylaminopropoxy)benzylamino]pentyl}ureido)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(2-{3-[5-(4-methoxybenzylamino)pentyl]ureido}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-(2-{3-[5-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzylamino)pentyl]ureido}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-[2-(3-{5-[(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)amino]pentyl}ureido)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   5 biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{2-[1-methyl-3-(3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-propyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{2-[3-(3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-propyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{2-[3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{2-[1-methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl     ester; -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{2-[3-(5-isobutylaminopentyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl ester;     and -   biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid     1-{2-[3-methyl-3-(2-methylaminoethyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl     ester;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

Definitions

When describing the compounds, compositions, methods and processes of the invention, the following terms have the following meanings unless otherwise indicated.

The term “alkyl” means a monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched. Unless otherwise defined, such alkyl groups typically contain from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative alkyl groups include, by way of example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl and the like.

The term “alkylene” means a divalent saturated hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched. Unless otherwise defined, such alkylene groups typically contain from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative alkylene groups include, by way of example, methylene, ethane-1,2-diyl (“ethylene”), propane-1,2-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, butane-1,4-diyl, pentane-1,5-diyl and the like.

The term “alkoxy” means a monovalent group of the formula (alkyl)-O—, where alkyl is as defined herein. Representative alkoxy groups include, by way of example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, isobutoxy, tert-butoxy and the like.

The term “alkenyl” means a monovalent unsaturated hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched and which has at least one, and typically 1, 2 or 3, carbon-carbon double bonds. Unless otherwise defined, such alkenyl groups typically contain from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative alkenyl groups include, by way of example, ethenyl, n-propenyl, isopropenyl, n-but-2-enyl, n-hex-3-enyl and the like. The term “alkenylene” means a divalent alkenyl group.

The term “alkynyl” means a monovalent unsaturated hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched and which has at least one, and typically 1, 2 or 3, carbon-carbon triple bonds. Unless otherwise defined, such alkynyl groups typically contain from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative alkynyl groups include, by way of example, ethynyl, n-propynyl, n-but-2-ynyl, n-hex-3-ynyl and the like. The term “alkynylene” means a divalent alkynyl group.

The term “aryl” means a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon having a single ring (i.e., phenyl) or fused rings (i.e., naphthalene). Unless otherwise defined, such aryl groups typically contain from 6 to 10 carbon ring atoms. Representative aryl groups include, by way of example, phenyl and naphthalene-1-yl, naphthalene-2-yl, and the like. The term “arylene” means a divalent aryl group.

The term “azacycloalkyl” means a monovalent heterocyclic ring containing one nitrogen atom, i.e., a cycloalkyl group in which one carbon atom has been replaced with a nitrogen atom. Unless otherwise defined, such azacycloalkyl groups typically contain from 2 to 9 carbon atoms. Representative examples of an azacycloalkyl group are pyrrolidinyl and piperidinyl groups. The term “azacycloalkylene” means a divalent azacycloakyl group. Representative examples of an azacycloalkylene group are pyrrolidinylene and piperidinylene groups.

The term “cycloalkyl” means a monovalent saturated carbocyclic hydrocarbon group. Unless otherwise defined, such cycloalkyl groups typically contain from 3 to 10 carbon ring atoms. Representative cycloalkyl groups include, by way of example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like. The term “cycloalkylene” means a divalent cycloalkyl group.

The term “halo” means fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

The term “heteroaryl” means a monovalent aromatic group having a single ring or two fused rings and containing in the ring at least one heteroatom (typically 1 to 3 heteroatoms) selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Unless otherwise defined, such heteroaryl groups typically contain from 5 to 10 total ring atoms. Representative heteroaryl groups include, by way of example, monovalent species of pyrrole, imidazole, thiazole, oxazole, furan, thiophene, triazole, pyrazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, triazine, indole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, benzimidazole, benzthiazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline and the like, where the point of attachment is at any available carbon or nitrogen ring atom. The term “heteroarylene” means a divalent heteroaryl group.

The term “heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic” means a monovalent saturated or unsaturated (non-aromatic) group having a single ring or multiple condensed rings and containing in the ring at least one heteroatom (typically 1 to 3 heteroatoms) selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Unless otherwise defined, such heterocyclic groups typically contain from 2 to 9 total ring carbon atoms. Representative heterocyclic groups include, by way of example, monovalent species of pyrrolidine, imidazolidine, pyrazolidine, piperidine, 1,4-dioxane, morpholine, thiomorpholine, piperazine, 3-pyrroline and the like, where the point of attachment is at any available carbon or nitrogen ring atom. The term “heterocyclene” means a divalent heterocyclyl or heterocyclic group.

When a specific number of carbon atoms is intended for a particular term used herein, the number of carbon atoms is shown in parentheses preceding the term. For example, the term “(1-4C)alkyl” means an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means a salt which is acceptable for administration to a patient such as a mammal (e.g., salts having acceptable mammalian safety for a given dosage regime). Such salts can be derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic bases and from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acids. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic bases include ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc and the like. Particularly preferred are ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium salts. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic bases include salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, including substituted amines, cyclic amines, naturally-occurring amines and the like such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperadine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable acids include acetic, ascorbic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, camphosulfonic, citric, ethanesulfonic, edisylic, fumaric, gentisic, gluconic, glucoronic, glutamic, hippuric, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, mucic, naphthalenesulfonic, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic, naphthalene-2,6-disulfonic, nicotinic, nitric, orotic, pamoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, succinic, sulfuric, tartaric, p-toluenesulfonic, xinafoic and the like. Particularly preferred are citric, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic, maleic, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic, phosphoric, sulfuric and tartaric acids.

The term “salt thereof” means a compound formed when the hydrogen of an acid is replaced by a cation such as a metal cation or an organic cation and the like. Preferably, the salt is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. This is not required however, since some salts (e.g., salts of intermediate compounds) are not intended to be administered to patients.

The term “solvate” means a complex or aggregate formed by one or more molecules of a solute, i.e. a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more molecules of a solvent. Such solvates are typically crystalline solids having a substantially fixed molar ratio of solute and solvent. Representative solvents include, by way of example, water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetic acid and the like. When the solvent is water, the solvate formed is a hydrate.

It will be appreciated that the term “or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof” is intended to include all permutations of salts, solvates and stereoisomers such as a solvate of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a stereoisomer of a compound of formula I.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” means an amount sufficient to effect treatment when administered to a patient in need of treatment. For example, a therapeutically effective amount for antagonizing a muscarinic receptor is that amount which will achieve the desired antagonizing effect. Similarly, a therapeutically effective amount for treating a pulmonary disorder is that amount that will achieve the desired therapeutic result, which may be disease prevention, amelioration, suppression or alleviation, as described below.

The term “treating” or “treatment” as used herein means the treating or treatment of a disease or medical condition (such as COPD) in a patient such as a mammal (particularly a human) that includes:

-   -   (a) preventing the disease or medical condition from occurring,         i.e., prophylactic treatment of a patient believed to be at risk         of contracting or being pre-disposed to such disease or medical         condition;     -   (b) ameliorating the disease or medical condition, i.e.,         eliminating or causing regression of the disease or medical         condition in a patient having such disease or medical condition;     -   (c) suppressing the disease or medical condition, i.e., slowing         or arresting the development of the disease or medical condition         in a patient having such disease or medical condition; or     -   (d) alleviating the symptoms of the disease or medical condition         in a patient having such disease or medical condition.

The term “unit dosage form” refers to a physically discrete unit suitable for dosing a patient, i.e., each unit containing a predetermined quantity of a compound of the invention calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect either alone or in combination with one or more additional units. For example, such unit dosage forms may be capsules, tablets, pills, and the like.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable. For example, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a material that can be incorporated into a composition and administered to a patient without causing undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with other components of the composition. Such pharmaceutically acceptable materials typically have met the required standards of toxicological and manufacturing testing, and include those materials identified as suitable inactive ingredients by the U.S. Food and Drug administration.

The term “leaving group” means a functional group or atom which can be displaced by another functional group or atom in a substitution reaction such as a nucleophilic substitution reaction. By way of example, representative leaving groups include chloro, bromo and iodo groups; sulfonic ester groups such as mesylate, tosylate, brosylate, nosylate and the like; and acyloxy groups such as acetoxy, trifluoroacetoxy and the like.

The term “protected derivatives thereof” means a derivative of the specified compound in which one or more functional groups of the compound are protected from undesired reactions with a protecting or blocking group. Functional groups which may be protected include, by way of example, carboxylic acid groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, thiol groups, carbonyl groups and the like. Representative protecting groups for carboxylic acids include esters (such as a p-methoxybenzyl ester), amides and hydrazides; for amino groups, carbamates (such as tert-butoxycarbonyl) and amides; for hydroxyl groups, ethers and esters; for thiol groups, thioethers and thioesters; for carbonyl groups, acetals and ketals; and the like. Such protecting groups are well-known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in T. W. Greene and G. M. Wuts, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, Third Edition, Wiley, New York, 1999, and references cited therein.

The term “amino-protecting group” means a protecting group suitable for preventing undesired reactions at an amino group. Representative amino-protecting groups include, but are not limited to, tert-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), trityl (Tr), benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz), 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), formyl, trimethylsilyl (TMS), tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS), and the like.

The term “carboxy-protecting group” means a protecting group suitable for preventing undesired reactions at a carboxy group. Representative carboxy-protecting groups include, but are not limited to, esters such as methyl, ethyl, tert-butyl, benzyl (Bn), p-methoxybenzyl (PMB), 9-fluoroenylmethyl (Fm), trimethylsilyl (TMS), tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS), diphenylmethyl (benzhydryl, DPM) and the like.

The term “hydroxyl-protecting group” means a protecting group suitable for preventing undesirable reactions at a hydroxyl group. Representative hydroxyl-protecting groups include, but are not limited to, silyl groups including tri(1-6C)alkylsilyl groups such as trimethylsilyl (TMS), triethylsilyl (TES), tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS) and the like; esters (acyl groups) including (1-6C)alkanoyl groups such as formyl, acetyl and the like; arylmethyl groups such as benzyl (Bn), p-methoxybenzyl (PMB), 9-fluorenylmethyl (Fm), diphenylmethyl (benzhydryl, DPM) and the like. Additionally, two hydroxyl groups can also be protected as an alkylidene group such as prop-2-ylidine, formed, for example, by reaction with a ketone such as acetone.

General Synthetic Procedures

The biphenyl compounds of the invention can be prepared from readily available starting materials using the following general methods, the procedures set forth in the Examples, or by using other methods, reagents, and starting materials that are readily available to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although a particular embodiment of the present invention may be shown or described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that all embodiments or aspects of the present invention can be readily prepared. It will also be appreciated that where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. While the optimum reaction conditions may vary depending on the particular reactants or solvent used, such conditions can be readily determined by one skilled in the art by routine optimization procedures.

Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, conventional protecting groups may be necessary or desired to prevent certain functional groups from undergoing undesired reactions. The choice of a suitable protecting group for a particular functional group as well as suitable conditions for protection and deprotection of such functional groups are well-known in the art. Protecting groups other than those illustrated in the procedures described herein may be used, if desired. For example, numerous protecting groups, and their introduction and removal, are described in T. W. Greene and G. M. Wuts, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, Third Edition, Wiley, New York, 1999, and references cited therein.

By way of illustration, the compounds of formula I can be prepared by a process comprising:

(a) reacting a compound of formula II:

or a salt thereof, with a compound of formula III:

wherein L¹ represents a leaving group; or

(b) for compounds where Q is:

and R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (3-6C)cycloalkyl, coupling a compound of formula IV:

with a compound of formula V:

or

(c) reacting a compound of formula VIa:

with a compound of formula VIIa:

or reacting a compound of formula VIb:

with a compound of formula VIb:

or with a compound of formula VIIc:

wherein L² represents a leaving group; and P³ represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl-protecting group; or

(d) reacting a compound of formula II with a compound of formula VIII:

in the presence of a reducing agent; or

(e) reacting a compound of formula IX:

with a compound of formula X:

or with a compound of formula VIIb, or VIIc, in the presence of a reducing agent; and then

(f) removing any protecting groups that may be present to provide a compound of formula I; and optionally, forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Generally, if a salt of one of the starting materials is used in the processes described above, such as an acid addition salt, the salt is typically neutralized before or during the reaction process. This neutralization reaction is typically accomplished by contacting the salt with one molar equivalent of a base for each molar equivalent of acid addition salt.

In process (a), the reaction between the compounds of formula II and III, the leaving represented by L¹ can be, for example, a halo group such as chloro, bromo or iodo, or a sulfonic ester group such as mesylate or tosylate. The reaction is conveniently performed in the presence of a base, for example, a tertiary amine such as diisopropylethylamine. Convenient solvents include nitrites such as acetonitrile. The reaction is conveniently conducted at a temperature in the range of from 0 to 100° C.

Compounds of formula II are generally known in the art, or can be prepared by deprotecting a compound of formula XI:

wherein P¹ represents an amino-protecting group such as a benzyl group. Benzyl groups are conveniently removed by reduction, using a hydrogen or ammonium formate and a Group VIII metal catalyst such as palladium. When W represents NW^(a), the hydrogenation reaction is conveniently performed using Pearlman's catalyst (Pd(OH)₂).

Compounds of formula XI can be prepared by reacting an isocyanate compound of formula XII:

with a compound of formula XIII:

Compounds of formula III can be prepared starting from a corresponding compound in which L¹ represents a hydroxyl group, for example, by reaction of a halogenating agent, such as thionyl chloride, to afford a compound of formula III in which L¹ represents halo such as chloro. Compounds in which L¹ represents a hydroxyl group may be prepared, for example, by reacting a compound of formula V with an appropriate amino-substituted alcohol such as 2-aminoethanol or 3-aminopropan-1-ol.

In process (b), suitable coupling agents include carbonyldiimidazole. The reaction is typically conducted in the presence of solvents such as trifluoroacetic acid and dichloromethane. Compounds of formula IV can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula II, with a compound of formula XIV:

where P² represents an amino-protecting group such as tert-butoxycarbonyl. L³ is a leaving group, for example, a halo such as chloro, bromo or iodo.

Referring to process (c), the leaving group represented by L² can be, for example, a halo group such as chloro, bromo or iodo, or a sulfonic ester group such as mesylate or tosylate. This reaction is conveniently performed in the presence of a base, for example, a tertiary amine such as diisopropylethylamine. Convenient solvents include nitriles such as acetonitrile. The reaction is conveniently conducted at a temperature in the range of from 0 to 100° C. The compounds of formula VIa can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula II, with a compound of formula XVa:

where L⁴ represents a leaving group and P³ is an amino-protecting group, followed, if necessary, by removing P³. The compounds of formula VIb can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula II with a compound of formula XVb:

where L⁵ represents a leaving group. Compounds of formulas VIIa and VIIb are generally known or can be prepared from readily available starting materials using well-known synthetic methods.

In process (d), the reducing agent may be, for example, hydrogen in the presence of a Group VIII metal catalyst such as palladium, or a metal hydride reducing agent such as a borohydride, including sodium triacetoxyborohydride. Convenient solvents include alcohols such as methanol. The reaction is conveniently performed at a temperature in the range of from 0 to 100° C. The compounds of formula VIII may be prepared by oxidizing a compound corresponding to formula III in which L¹ represents a hydroxyl group. Such oxidation reactions can be conducted, for example, using sulfur dioxide pyridine complex in dimethylsulfoxide in the presence of a tertiary amine such as diisopropylethylamine.

In process (e), the reducing agent may be, for example, hydrogen in the presence of a Group VIII metal catalyst such as palladium, or a metal hydride reducing agent including borohydrides such as sodium triacetoxyborohydride, optionally used in combination with a titanium tetraalkoxide such as titanium tetraisopropoxide. Convenient solvents include alcohols such as methanol, and halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane. The reaction is conveniently performed at a temperature in the range of from 0 to 100° C. Compounds of formula IX may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula II with a compound of formula XVI:

followed by reaction with an oxidizing agent such as sulfur trioxide pyridine. Compounds of formula X are generally known or can be prepared from readily available starting materials using well-known synthetic methods.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, compounds of formula I prepared by any of steps (a) to (e) herein may be further derivatized to form other compounds of formula I using methods and reagents well-known in the art. By way of illustration, a compound of formula I may be reacted with bromine to afford a corresponding compound of formula I in which R², for example, represents a bromo group. Additionally, a compound of formula I in which R^(Qa), R^(Qb) or R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom may be alkylated to afford a corresponding compound of formula I in which R^(Qa), R^(Qb) or R⁴ represents a (1-4C) alkyl group.

Further details regarding specific reaction conditions and other procedures for preparing representative compounds of the invention or intermediates thereof are described in the Examples set forth below.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Formulations

The biphenyl compounds of the invention are typically administered to a patient in the form of a pharmaceutical composition or formulation. Such pharmaceutical compositions may be administered to the patient by any acceptable route of administration including, but not limited to, inhaled, oral, nasal, topical (including transdermal) and parenteral modes of administration.

It will be understood that any form of the compounds of the invention, (i.e., free base, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, etc.) that is suitable for the particular mode of administration can be used in the pharmaceutical compositions discussed herein.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The pharmaceutical composition may contain other therapeutic and/or formulating agents if desired.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention typically contain a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof, as the active agent. Typically, such pharmaceutical compositions will contain from about 0.01 to 95% by weight of the active agent; including, from about 0.01 to 30%, such as from about 0.01 to 10%.

Any conventional carrier or excipient may be used in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. The choice of a particular carrier or excipient, or combinations of carriers or excipients, will depend on the mode of administration being used to treat a particular patient or type of medical condition or disease state. In this regard, the preparation of a suitable pharmaceutical composition for a particular mode of administration is well within the scope of those skilled in the pharmaceutical arts. Additionally, the ingredients for such compositions are commercially available from, for example, Sigma, P.O. Box 14508, St. Louis, Mo. 63178. By way of further illustration, conventional formulation techniques are described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20^(th) Edition, Lippincott Williams & White, Baltimore, Md. (2000); and H. C. Ansel et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 7^(th) Edition, Lippincott Williams & White, Baltimore, Md. (1999).

Representative examples of materials that can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, the following: sugars such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose and its derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols such as propylene glycol; polyols such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; phosphate buffer solutions; compressed propellant gases such as chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons; and other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical compositions.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are typically prepared by thoroughly and intimately mixing or blending a compound of the invention with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more optional ingredients. If necessary or desired, the resulting uniformly blended mixture can then be shaped or loaded into tablets, capsules, pills, canisters, cartridges, dispensers and the like using conventional procedures and equipment.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are suitable for inhaled administration. Suitable pharmaceutical compositions for inhaled administration will typically be in the form of an aerosol or a powder. Such compositions are generally administered using well-known delivery devices such as a nebulizer inhaler, a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), a dry powder inhaler (DPI) or a similar delivery device.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the active agent is administered by inhalation using a nebulizer inhaler. Such nebulizer devices typically produce a stream of high velocity air that causes the pharmaceutical composition comprising the active agent to spray as a mist that is carried into the patient's respiratory tract. Accordingly, when formulated for use in a nebulizer inhaler, the active agent is typically dissolved in a suitable carrier to form a solution. Alternatively, the active agent can be micronized and combined with a suitable carrier to form a suspension of micronized particles of respirable size, where micronized is typically defined as having about 90% or more of the particles with a diameter of less than about 10 μm. Suitable nebulizer devices are commercially available, for example, by PARI GmbH (Starnberg, German). Other nebulizer devices include Respimat (Boehringer Ingelheim) and those described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,068 to Lloyd et al. and WO 97/12687 (Eicher et al.), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

A representative pharmaceutical composition for use in a nebulizer inhaler comprises an isotonic aqueous solution comprising from about 0.05 μg/mL to about 10 mg/mL of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof.

In another specific embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the active agent is administered by inhalation using a DPI. Such DPIs typically administer the active agent as a free-flowing powder that is dispersed in a patient's air-stream during inspiration. In order to achieve a free flowing powder, the active agent is typically formulated with a suitable excipient such as lactose or starch. Micronization is a common method of reducing crystal size to that suitable for pulmonary delivery. Typically, the active agent is micronized and combined with a suitable carrier to form a suspension of micronized particles of respirable size, where “micronized particles” or “micronized form” means at least about 90% of the particles have a diameter of less than about 10 μm. Other methods of reducing particle size may also be used such as fine milling, chopping, crushing, grinding, milling, screening, trituration, pulverization, and so forth, as long as the desired particle size can be obtained.

A representative pharmaceutical composition for use in a DPI comprises dry lactose having a particle size between about 1 μm and about 100 μm and micronized particles of a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. Such a dry powder formulation can be made, for example, by combining the lactose with the active agent and then dry blending the components. Alternatively, if desired, the active agent can be formulated without an excipient. The pharmaceutical composition is then typically loaded into a dry powder dispenser, or into inhalation cartridges or capsules for use with a dry powder delivery device.

Examples of DPI delivery devices include Diskhaler (GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, N.C.; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,237 to Newell et al.); Diskus (GlaxoSmithKline; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,519 to Davies et al.); Turbuhaler (AstraZeneca, Wilmington, Del.; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,769 to Wetterlin); Rotahaler (GlaxoSmithKline; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,365 to Hallworth et al.) and Handihaler (Boehringer Ingelheim). Further examples of suitable DPI devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,415,162 to Casper et al., 5,239,993 to Evans, and 5,715,810 to Armstrong et al., and references cited therein. The disclosures of the aforementioned patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In yet another specific embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the active agent is administered by inhalation an MDI, which typically discharges a measured amount of the active agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof using compressed propellant gas. Accordingly, pharmaceutical compositions administered using an MDI typically comprise a solution or suspension of the active agent in a liquefied propellant. Any suitable liquefied propellant may be employed including chlorofluorocarbons such as CCl₃F, and hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a) and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoro-n-propane, (HFA 227). Due to concerns about chlorofluorocarbons affecting the ozone layer, formulations containing HFAs are generally preferred. Additional optional components of HFA formulations include co-solvents such as ethanol or pentane, and surfactants such as sorbitan trioleate, oleic acid, lecithin, and glycerin. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,183 to Purewal et al., EP 0717987 A2 (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company), and WO 92/22286 (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

A representative pharmaceutical composition for use in a metered-dose inhaler comprises from about 0.01 to 5% by weight of a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof; from about 0 to 20% by weight ethanol; and from about 0 to 5% by weight surfactant; with the remainder being an HFA propellant.

Such compositions are typically prepared by adding chilled or pressurized hydrofluoroalkane to a suitable container containing the active agent, ethanol (if present) and the surfactant (if present). To prepare a suspension, the active agent is micronized and then combined with the propellant. The formulation is then loaded into an aerosol canister, which forms a portion of a metered-dose inhaler device. Examples of metered-dose inhaler devices developed specifically for use with HFA propellants are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,006,745 to Marecki and 6,143,277 to Ashurst et al. Alternatively, a suspension formulation can be prepared by spray drying a coating of surfactant on micronized particles of the active agent. See, for example, WO 99/53901 (Glaxo Group Ltd.) and WO 00/61108 (Glaxo Group Ltd.). The disclosures of the aforementioned patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

For additional examples of processes of preparing respirable particles, and formulations and devices suitable for inhalation dosing see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,533 to Gao et al., 5,983,956 to Trofast; 5,874,063 to Briggner et al.; and 6,221,398 to Jakupovic et al.; and WO 99/55319 (Glaxo Group Ltd.) and WO 00/30614 (AstraZeneca AB); the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are suitable for oral administration. Suitable pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration may be in the form of capsules, tablets, pills, lozenges, cachets, dragees, powders, granules; or as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion; or as an elixir or syrup; and the like; each containing a predetermined amount of a compound of the invention as an active ingredient. The pharmaceutical composition may be packaged in a unit dosage form.

When intended for oral administration in a solid dosage form (i.e., as capsules, tablets, pills and the like), the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention will typically comprise a compound of the present invention as the active ingredient and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate. Optionally or alternatively, such solid dosage forms may also comprise: fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and/or silicic acid; binders such as carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sucrose and/or acacia; humectants such as glycerol; disintegrating agents such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and/or sodium carbonate; solution retarding agents such as paraffin; absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds; wetting agents such as cetyl alcohol and/or glycerol monostearate; absorbents such as kaolin and/or bentonite clay; lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and/or mixtures thereof, coloring agents; and buffering agents.

Release agents, wetting agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidants include: water-soluble antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfate sodium sulfite and the like; oil-soluble antioxidants such as ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, alpha-tocopherol, and the like; and metal-chelating agents such as citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like. Coating agents for tablets, capsules, pills and like, include those used for enteric coatings such as cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, methacrylic acid-methacrylic acid ester copolymers, cellulose acetate trimellitate (CAT), carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose (CMEC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), and the like.

If desired, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be formulated to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredient using, by way of example, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose in varying proportions; or other polymer matrices, liposomes and/or microspheres.

In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may optionally contain opacifying agents and may be formulated so that they release the active ingredient only, or preferentially, in a certain portion of the gastrointestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions which can be used include polymeric substances and waxes. The active ingredient can also be in micro-encapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of the above-described excipients.

Suitable liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, by way of illustration, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. Such liquid dosage forms typically comprise the active ingredient and an inert diluent such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, oils (e.g., cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof. Suspensions, in addition to the active ingredient, may contain suspending agents such as, for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminium metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar and tragacanth, and mixtures thereof.

When intended for oral administration, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be packaged in a unit dosage form. The term “unit dosage form” means a physically discrete unit suitable for dosing a patient, i.e., each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active agent calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect either alone or in combination with one or more additional units. For example, such unit dosage forms may be capsules, tablets, pills, and the like.

The compounds of the invention can also be administered transdermally using known transdermal delivery systems and excipients. For example, a compound of the invention can be admixed with permeation enhancers such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol monolaurate, azacycloalkan-2-ones and the like, and incorporated into a patch or similar delivery system. Additional excipients including gelling agents, emulsifiers and buffers, may be used in such transdermal compositions if desired.

The compounds of the invention can also be co-administered with other therapeutic agents. This combination therapy involves using a compound of the invention combined with one or more of these secondary agents, either formulated together (e.g., packaged together in a single formulation) or formulated separately (e.g., packaged as separate unit dosage forms). Methods of formulating multiple agents together in the same formulation or in separate unit dosage forms, are well known in the art.

The additional therapeutic agent(s) can be selected from other bronchodilators (e.g., PDE₃ inhibitors, adenosine 2b modulators and β₂ adrenergic receptor agonists); anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and PDE₄ inhibitors); other muscarinic receptor antagonists (i.e., antichlolinergic agents); antiinfective agents (e.g., Gram positive and Gram negative antibiotics or antivirals); antihistamines; protease inhibitors; and afferent blockers (e.g., D₂ agonists and neurokinin modulators).

One particular embodiment of the invention is directed to a composition comprising (a) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of an agent selected from a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent such as a corticosteroid; a β₂ adrenergic receptor agonist; a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor; or a combination thereof; wherein the compound of formula I and the agent are formulated together or separately. In another embodiment, (b) is a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a β₂ adrenergic receptor agonist and a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. The secondary agents can be used in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates, and if appropriate, as optically pure stereoisomers.

Representative β₂ adrenergic receptor agonists that can be used in combination with compounds of the invention include, but are not limited to, salmeterol, salbutamol, formoterol, salmefamol, fenoterol, terbutaline, albuterol, isoetharine, metaproterenol, bitolterol, pirbuterol, levalbuterol and the like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Other β₂ adrenergic receptor agonists that can be used include, but are not limited to, 3-(4-{[6-({(2R)-2-hydroxy-2-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl]ethyl}amino)-hexyl]oxy}butyl)benzenesulfonamide and 3-(-3-{[7-({(2R)-2-hydroxy-2-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]ethyl}-amino)heptyl]oxy}-propyl)benzenesulfonamide and related compounds described in WO 02/066422 (Glaxo Group Ltd.); 3-[3-(4-{[6-([(2R)-2-hydroxy-2-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]ethyl}amino)hexyl]oxy}butyl)-phenyl]imidazolidine-2,4-dione and related compounds described in WO 02/070490 (Glaxo Group Ltd.); 3-(4-{[6-({(2R)-2-[3-(formylamino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-hydroxyethyl}amino)hexyl]oxy}butyl)-benzenesulfonamide, 3-(4-{[6-({(2S)-2-[3-(formylamino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-hydroxyethyl}amino)hexyl]oxy}butyl)-benzenesulfonamide, 3-(4-{[6-({(2R/S)-2-[3-(formylamino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-hydroxyethyl}amino)hexyl]oxy}butyl)-benzenesulfonamide, N-(tert-butyl)-3-(4-{[6-({(2R)-2-[3-(formylamino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-hydroxyethyl}amino)hexyl]-oxy}butyl)benzenesulfonamide, N-(tert-butyl)-3-(4-{[6-({(2S)-2-[3-(formylamino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-hydroxyethyl}amino)-hexyl]oxy}butyl)-benzenesulfonamide, N-(tert-butyl)-3-(4-{[6-({(2R/S)-2-[3-(formylamino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-hydroxyethyl}amino)hexyl]-oxy}butyl)benzenesulfonamide and related compounds described in WO 02/076933 (Glaxo Group Ltd.); 4-{(1R)-2-[(6-{2-[(2,6-dichlorobenzyl)oxy]ethoxy}hexyl)amino]-1-hydroxyethyl}-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol and related compounds described in WO 03/024439 (Glaxo Group Ltd.); N-{2-[4-((R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylethylamino)phenyl]ethyl}-(R)-2-hydroxy-2-(3-formamido-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine and related compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,576,793 to Moran et al.; N-{2-[4-(3-phenyl-4-methoxyphenyl)aminophenyl]ethyl}-(R)-2-hydroxy-2-(8-hydroxy-2(1H)-quinolinon-5-yl)ethylamine and related compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,323 to Moran et al.; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In a particular embodiment, the β₂-adrenoreceptor agonist is a crystalline monohydrochloride salt of N-{2-[4-((R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylethylamino)phenyl]ethyl}-(R)-2-hydroxy-2-(3-formamido-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine. When employed, the β₂-adrenoreceptor agonist will be present in the pharmaceutical composition in a therapeutically effective amount. Typically, the β₂-adrenoreceptor agonist will be present in an amount sufficient to provide from about 0.05 μg to 500 μg per dose. The disclosures of the aforementioned patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Representative steroidal anti-inflammatory agents that can be used in combination with compounds of the invention include, but are not limited to, methyl prednisolone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, fluticasone propionate, 6α,9α-difluoro-17α-[(2-furanylcarbonyl)oxy]-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioic acid S-fluoromethyl ester, 6α,9α-difluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxo-17α-propionyloxy-androsta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioic acid S-(2-oxo-tetrahydrofuran-3S-yl)ester, beclomethasone esters (e.g., the 17-propionate ester or the 17,21-dipropionate ester), budesonide, flunisolide, mometasone esters (e.g., the furoate ester), triamcinolone acetonide, rofleponide, ciclesonide, butixocort propionate, RPR-106541, ST-126 and the like, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. When employed, the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent will be present in the composition in a therapeutically effective amount. Typically, the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent will be present in an amount sufficient to provide from about 0.05 μg to 500 μg per dose.

An exemplary combination is a compound of formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof, co-administered with salmeterol as the β₂ adrenergic receptor agonist, and fluticasone propionate as the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Another exemplary combination is a compound of formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof, co-administered with a crystalline monohydrochloride salt of N-{2-[4-((R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylethylamino)phenyl]ethyl}-(R)-2-hydroxy-2-(3-formamido-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine as the β₂-adrenoreceptor agonist, and 6α,9α-difluoro-17α-[(2-furanylcarbonyl)oxy]-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioic acid S-fluoromethyl ester as the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. As noted above, these agents can be formulated together or separately.

Other suitable combinations include, for example, other anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., NSAIDs (e.g., sodium cromoglycate, nedocromil sodium, and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors such as theophylline, PDE4 inhibitors and mixed PDE3/PDE4 inhibitors); leukotriene antagonists (e.g., monteleukast); inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis; iNOS inhibitors; protease inhibitors such as tryptase and elastase inhibitors; beta-2 integrin antagonists and adenosine receptor agonists or antagonists (e.g., adenosine 2a agonists); cytokine antagonists (e.g., chemokine antagonists such as, an interleukin antibody (αIL antibody), specifically, an αIL-4 therapy, an αIL-13 therapy, or a combination thereof); or inhibitors of cytokine synthesis.

Representative phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors or mixed PDE3/PDE4 inhibitors that can be used in combination with the compounds of the invention include, but are not limited to cis 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-carboxylic acid, 2-carbomethoxy-4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-one; cis-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol]; cis-4-cyano-4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid and the like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Other representative PDE4 or mixed PDE4/PDE3 inhibitors include AWD-12-281 (elbion); NCS-613 (INSERM); D-4418 (Chiroscience and Schering-Plough); CI-1018 or PD-168787 (Pfizer); benzodioxole compounds described in WO99/16766 (Kyowa Hakko); K-34 (Kyowa Hakko); V-11294A (Napp); roflumilast (Byk-Gulden); pthalazinone compounds described in WO99/47505 (Byk-Gulden); Pumafentrine (Byk-Gulden, now Altana); arofylline (Almirall-Prodesfarma); VM554/UM565 (Vernalis); T-440 (Tanabe Seiyaku); and T2585 (Tanabe Seiyaku).

Representative muscarinic antagonists (i.e., anticholinergic agents) that can be used in combination with the compounds of the invention include, but are not limited to, atropine, atropine sulfate, atropine oxide, methylatropine nitrate, homatropine hydrobromide, hyoscyamine (d, l) hydrobromide, scopolamine hydrobromide, ipratropium bromide, oxitropium bromide, tiotropium bromide, methantheline, propantheline bromide, anisotropine methyl bromide, clidinium bromide, copyrrolate (Robinul), isopropamide iodide, mepenzolate bromide, tridihexethyl chloride (Pathilone), hexocyclium methylsulfate, cyclopentolate hydrochloride, tropicamide, trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride, pirenzepine, telenzepine, AF-DX 116 and methoctramine and the like, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or, for those compounds listed as a salt, alternate pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Representative antihistamines (i.e., Hi-receptor antagonists) that can be used in combination with the compounds of the invention include, but are not limited to, ethanolamines such as carbinoxamine maleate, clemastine fumarate, diphenylhydramine hydrochloride and dimenhydrinate; ethylenediamines such as pyrilamine amleate, tripelennamine hydrochloride and tripelennamine citrate; alkylamines such as chlorpheniramine and acrivastine; piperazines such as hydroxyzine hydrochloride, hydroxyzine pamoate, cyclizine hydrochloride, cyclizine lactate, meclizine hydrochloride and cetirizine hydrochloride; piperidines such as astemizole, levocabastine hydrochloride, loratadine or its descarboethoxy analogue, terfenadine and fexofenadine hydrochloride; azelastine hydrochloride; and the like, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or, for those compounds listed as a salt, alternate pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, exemplary suitable doses for the other therapeutic agents administered in combination with a compound of the invention are in the range of about 0.05 μg/day to 100 mg/day.

The following formulations illustrate representative pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, as well as exemplary methods of preparation. One or more secondary agents can optionally be formulated with the compound of the invention (primary active agent). Alternately, the secondary agents(s) can be formulated separately and co-administered with the primary active agent, either simultaneously or sequentially. For example, in one embodiment, a single dry powder formulation can be manufactured to include both the compound of the invention and one or more secondary agents. In another embodiment, one formulation is manufactured to contain the compound of the invention and separate formulation(s) are manufactured to contain the secondary agent(s). Such dry powder formulations can then be packaged in separate blister packs and administered with a single DPI device.

Exemplary Dry Powder Formulation for Administration by Inhalation

0.2 mg of a compound of the invention is micronized and then blended with 25 mg of lactose. The blended mixture is then loaded into a gelatin inhalation cartridge. The contents of the cartridge are administered using a powder inhaler.

Exemplary Dry Powder Formulation for Administration by a Dry Powder Inhaler

A dry powder is prepared having a bulk formulation ratio of micronized compound of the invention (active agent) to lactose of 1:200. The powder is packed into a dry powder inhalation device capable of delivering between about 10 μg and 100 μg of active agent per dose.

Exemplary Formulations for Administration by a Metered Dose Inhaler

A suspension containing 5 wt % of a compound of the invention (active agent) and 0.1 wt % lecithin is prepared by dispersing 10 g of the active agent as micronized particles with a mean size less than 10 μm in a solution formed from 0.2 g of lecithin dissolved in 200 mL of demineralized water. The suspension is spray dried and the resulting material is micronized to particles having a mean diameter less than 1.5 μm. The particles are loaded into cartridges with pressurized 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

Alternately, a suspension containing 5 wt % of the active agent, 0.5 wt % lecithin, and 0.5 wt % trehalose is prepared by dispersing 5 g of the active agent as micronized particles with a mean size less than 10 μm in a colloidal solution formed from 0.5 g of trehalose and 0.5 g of lecithin dissolved in 100 mL of demineralized water. The suspension is spray dried and the resulting material is micronized to particles having a mean diameter less than 1.5 μm. The particles are loaded into canisters with pressurized 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

Exemplary Aqueous Aerosol Formulation for Administration by Nebulizer

A pharmaceutical composition is prepared by dissolving 0.5 mg of a compound of the invention (active agent) in 1 mL of a 0.9% sodium chloride solution acidified with citric acid. The mixture is stirred and sonicated until the active agent is dissolved. The pH of the solution is adjusted to a value in the range of from 3 to 8 (typically about 5) by the slow addition of NaOH.

Exemplary Hard Gelatin Capsule Formulation for Oral Administration

The following ingredients are thoroughly blended and then loaded into a hard gelatin capsule: 250 mg of a compound of the invention, 200 mg of lactose (spray-dried), and 10 mg of magnesium stearate, for a total of 460 mg of composition per capsule.

Exemplary Suspension Formulation for Oral Administration

The following ingredients are mixed to form a suspension containing 100 mg of active ingredient per 10 mL of suspension.

Ingredients Amount Compound of the invention 1.0 g Fumaric acid 0.5 g Sodium chloride 2.0 g Methyl paraben 0.15 g Propyl paraben 0.05 g Granulated sugar 25.5 g Sorbitol (70% solution) 12.85 g Veegum k (Vanderbilt Co.) 1.0 g Flavoring 0.035 mL Colorings 0.5 mg Distilled water q.s. to 100 mL

Exemplary Injectable Formulation

The following ingredients are blended and the pH is adjusted to 4±0.5 using 0.5 N HCl or 0.5 N NaOH.

Ingredients Amount Compound of the invention 0.2 g Sodium acetate buffer solution (0.4 M) 2.0 mL HCl (0.5 N) or NaOH (0.5 N) q.s. to pH 4 Water (distilled, sterile) q.s. to 20 mL

Utility

The biphenyl compounds of the invention are expected to be useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists and therefore, such compounds are expected to be useful for treating medical conditions mediated by muscarinic receptors, i.e., medical conditions which are ameliorated by treatment with a muscarinic receptor antagonist. Such medical conditions include, by way of example, pulmonary disorders or diseases including those associated with reversible airway obstruction such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic and wheezy bronchitis and emphysema), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, allergic rhinitis, rhinorrhea, and the like. Other medical conditions that can be treated with muscarinic receptor antagonists are genitourinary tract disorders such as overactive bladder or detrusor hyperactivity and their symptoms; gastrointestinal tract disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, achalasia, gastrointestinal hypermotility disorders and diarrhea; cardiac arrhythmias such as sinus bradycardia; Parkinson's disease; cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease; dismenorrhea; and the like.

In one embodiment, compounds of the invention are useful for treating smooth muscle disorders in mammals, including humans and their companion animals (e.g., dogs, cats etc.). Such smooth muscle disorders include, by way of illustration, overactive bladder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

When used to treat smooth muscle disorders or other conditions mediated by muscarinic receptors, compounds of the invention will typically be administered orally, rectally, parenterally or by inhalation in a single daily dose or in multiple doses per day. The amount of active agent administered per dose or the total amount administered per day will typically be determined by the patient's physician and will depend on such factors as the nature and severity of the patients condition, the condition being treated, the age and general health of the patient, the tolerance of the patient to the active agent, the route of administration and the like.

Typically, suitable doses for treating smooth muscle disorders or other disorders mediated by muscarinic receptors will range from about 0.14 μg/kg/day to 7 mg/kg/day of active agent; including from about 0.15 μg/kg/day to 5 mg/kg/day. For an average 70 kg human, this would amount to about 10 μg to 500 mg per day of active agent.

In a specific embodiment, compounds of the invention are useful for treating pulmonary or respiratory disorders, such as COPD or asthma, in mammals including humans. When used to treat such disorders, the compounds of the invention will typically be administered by inhalation in multiple doses per day, in a single daily dose or a single weekly dose. Generally, the dose for treating a pulmonary disorder will range from about 10 μg/day to 200 μg/day. As used herein, COPD includes chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema (see, for example, Barnes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, N Engl J Med 343:269-78 (2000)).

When used to treat a pulmonary disorder, compounds of the invention are optionally administered in combination with other therapeutic agents such as a β₂-adrenoreceptor agonist; a corticosteroid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or combinations thereof.

When administered by inhalation, compounds of the invention typically have the effect of producing bronchodilation. Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of producing bronchodilation in a patient, comprising administering to a patient a bronchodilation-producing amount of a compound of the invention. Generally, the therapeutically effective dose for producing bronchodilation will range from about 10 μg/day to 200 μg/day.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention are used to treat overactive bladder. When used to treat overactive bladder, the compounds of the invention will typically be administered orally in a single daily dose or in multiple doses per day; preferably in a single daily dose. In one embodiment, the dose for treating overactive bladder will range from about 1.0 to 500 mg/day.

In yet another embodiment, compounds of the invention are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. When used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, the compounds of the invention will typically be administered orally or rectally in a single daily dose or in multiple doses per day. In one embodiment, the dose for treating irritable bowel syndrome will range from about 1.0 to 500 mg/day.

Since compounds of the invention are muscarinic receptor antagonists, such compounds are also useful as research tools for investigating or studying biological systems or samples having muscarinic receptors. Such biological systems or samples may comprise M₁, M₂, M₃, M₄ and/or M₅ muscarinic receptors. Any suitable biological system or sample having muscarinic receptors may be employed in such studies, which may be conducted either in vitro or in vivo. Representative biological systems or samples suitable for such studies include, but are not limited to, cells, cellular extracts, plasma membranes, tissue samples, mammals (such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, pigs, etc.), and the like.

In this embodiment, a biological system or sample comprising a muscarinic receptor is contacted with a muscarinic receptor-antagonizing amount of a compound of the invention. The effects of antagonizing the muscarinic receptor are then determined using conventional procedures and equipment such as radioligand binding assays and functional assays. Such functional assays include ligand-mediated changes in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), ligand-mediated changes in activity of the enzyme adenylyl cyclase (which synthesizes cAMP), ligand-mediated changes in incorporation of guanosine 5′-O-(γ-thio)triphosphate ([³⁵S]GTPγS) into isolated membranes via receptor catalyzed exchange of [³⁵S]GTPγS for GDP, ligand-mediated changes in free intracellular calcium ions (measured, for example, with a fluorescence-linked imaging plate reader or FLIPR® from Molecular Devices, Inc.). Compounds of the invention will antagonize or decrease the activation of muscarinic receptors in any of the functional assays listed above, or assays of a similar nature. A muscarinic receptor-antagonizing amount of a compound of the invention will typically range from about 0.1 to 100 nanomolar.

Additionally, compounds of the invention can be used as research tools for discovering new compounds that have muscarinic receptor antagonist activity. In this embodiment, muscarinic receptor binding data (e.g., as determined by in vitro radioligand displacement assays) for a test compound or a group of test compounds is compared to the muscarinic receptor binding data for a compound of the invention to identify those test compounds that have about equal or superior muscarinic receptor binding, if any. This aspect of the invention includes, as separate embodiments, both the generation of comparison data (using the appropriate assays) and the analysis of the test data to identify test compounds of interest.

In another embodiment, compounds of the invention are used to antagonize a muscarinic receptor in a biological system, and a mammal in particular such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, pigs, humans and so forth. In this embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I is administered to the mammal. The effects of antagonizing the muscarinic receptor can then determined using conventional procedures and equipment, examples of which are described above.

Among other properties, compounds of the invention have been found to be potent inhibitors of M₃ muscarinic receptor activity. Accordingly, in a specific embodiment, the invention is directed to compounds of formula I having an inhibition dissociation constant (K_(i)) for the M₃ receptor subtype of less than or equal to 10 nM, as determined, for example, by an in vitro radioligand displacement assay. In one embodiment, compounds of the invention have a K_(i) value for the M₃ receptor subtype of less than or equal to 5 nM.

Additionally, compounds of the invention are expected to possess a desirable duration of action. Accordingly, in another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to compounds of formula I having a duration of action greater than or equal to about 24 hours. Moreover, compounds of the invention are also expected to possess reduced side effects, such as dry mouth, at efficacious doses when administered by inhalation compared to other known muscarinic receptor antagonists administered by inhalation (such as tiotropium).

These and other properties, as well as the utility of the compounds, can be demonstrated using various in vitro and in vivo assays that are well-known to those skilled in the art. For example, representative assays are described in further detail in the following Examples.

EXAMPLES

The Preparations and Examples illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. The following abbreviations have the following meanings unless otherwise indicated and any other abbreviations used herein and not defined have their standard meaning:

AC adenylyl cyclase ACh acetyicholine ACN acetonitrile BSA bovine serum albumin cAMP 3′-5′ cyclic adenosine monophosphate CDI carbonyldiimidazole CHO Chinese hamster ovary cM₅ cloned chimpanzee M₅ receptor DCM dichloromethane (i.e., methylene chloride) DIPEA N,N-diisopropylethylamine DMA N,N-dimethylacetamide DMF dimethylformamide DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide dPBS Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EtOAc ethyl acetate EtOH ethanol FBS fetal bovine serum FLIPR fluorometric imaging plate reader HBSS Hank's buffered salt solution HEPES 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid hM₁ cloned human M₁ receptor hM₂ cloned human M₂ receptor hM₃ cloned human M₃ receptor hM₄ cloned human M₄ receptor hM₅ cloned human M₅ receptor HOAc acetic acid MCh methyicholine MeOH methanol Na(OAc)₃BH sodium triacetoxyborohydride TBSC1 tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride TFA trifluoroacetic acid

Unless noted otherwise, all materials, such as reagents, starting materials and solvents, were purchased from commercial suppliers (such as Sigma-Aldrich, Fluka, and the like) and were used without further purification.

Unless otherwise indicated, HPLC analysis was conducted using an Agilent (Palo Alto, Calif.) Series 1100 instrument equipped with a Zorbax Bonus RP 2.1×50 mm column (Agilent) having a 3.5 micron particle size. Detection was by UV absorbance at 214 nm. The mobile phases employed were as follows (by volume): A is ACN (2%), water (98%) and TFA (0.1%); and B is ACN (90%), water (10%) and TFA (0.1%). HPLC 10-70 data was obtained using a flow rate of 0.5 mL/minute of 10 to 70% B over a 6 minute gradient (with the remainder being A). Similarly, HPLC 5-35 data and HPLC 10-90 data were obtained using 5 to 35% B; or 10 to 90% B over a 5 minute gradient.

Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) data were obtained with an Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif.) Model API-150EX instrument. LCMS 10-90 data was obtained using 10 to 90% Mobile Phase B over a 5 minute gradient.

Small-scale purification was conducted using an API-150EX Prep Workstation system from Applied Biosystems. The mobile phases employed were as follows (by volume): A is water and 0.05% TFA; and B is ACN and 0.05% TFA. For arrays (typically about 3 to 50 mg recovered sample size) the following conditions were used: 20 mL/min flow rate; 15 minute gradients and a 20 mm×50 mm Prism RP column with 5 micron particles (Thermo Hypersil-Keystone, Bellefonte, Pa.). For larger scale purifications (typically greater than 100 mg crude sample), the following conditions were used: 60 mL/min flow rate; 30 minute gradients and a 41.4 mm×250 mm Microsorb BDS column with 10 micron particles (Varian, Palo Alto, Calif.).

Preparation 1 1-[3-(tert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]imidazolidin-2-one

N-(3-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine (19.9 g, 168 mmol), DIPEA (87 mL, 504 mmol, 3.0 eq) were dissolved in 500 mL DMF, followed by the addition of 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (27.3 g, 168 mmol, 1.0 eq). The reaction was allowed to stir at 50° C. overnight. After overnight, the reaction was cooled to room temperature and TBSCl (25.2 g, 168 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction was then condensed in vacuo at 40° C. and the obtained residue was then taken into DCM (500 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (2×500 mL) and then with brine (500 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound as a light yellow solid (42.8 g) in 98% yield.

Preparation 2 1-[3-(tert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]-3-(3,3-dimethoxypropyl)imidazolidin-2-one

1-[3-(tert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]imidazolidin-2-one (17.65 g, 68.30 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 1) was slowly added to a suspension of NaH (8.20 g, 204.9 mmol, 3.0 eq, 40% mineral oil) in DMA (400 mL). Deprotonation was monitored with a bubbler, and bubbling was ceased after one hour of stirring at room temperature. A solution of 3-bromopropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal (25.0 g, 136.6 mmol, 2.0 eq) in DMA (100 mL) was slowly added to the reaction mixture over a period of 2 hours via an addition funnel. Following an additional hour of stirring at room temperature, the solution was concentrated in vacuo and the crude reaction mixture was taken up in DCM (200 mL) and washed with water (2×200 mL) and brine (2×200 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound (24.53 g, 68.8 mmol) as light yellow oil. The material was used without further purification.

Preparation 3 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid Piperidin-4-yl Ester

Biphenyl-2-isocyanate (97.5 g, 521 mmol) and 4-hydroxy-N-benzylpiperidine (105 g, 549 mmol) were heated together at 70° C. for 12 hours. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 50° C. and EtOH (1 L) was added; then 6M HCl (191 mL) was added slowly. The resulting mixture was then cooled to ambient temperature and ammonium formate (98.5 g, 1.56 mol) was added and then nitrogen gas was bubbled through the solution vigorously for 20 minutes. Palladium on activated carbon (20 g, 10 wt % dry basis) was then added and the reaction mixture was heated at 40° C. for 12 hours, and then filtered through a pad of Celite. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and 1M HCl (40 mL) was added to the crude residue. The pH of the mixture was then adjusted with 10 N NaOH to pH 12. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×150 mL) and the organic layer was dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give 155 g of the title intermediate (100% yield). HPLC (10-70) R_(t)=2.52; m/z: [M+H⁺] calcd for C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂, 297.15; found, 297.3.

Preparation 4 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-{3-[3-(3-Hydroxylpropyl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl Ester

To crude 1-[3-(tert-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]-3-(3,3-dimethoxypropyl)imidazolidin-2-one (11.4 g, 32 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 2) was added to a 1:1 mixture of 1N aqueous HCl (32 mL, 32 mmol, 1.0 eq) in ACN (32 mL). The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 hours. To the reaction mixture was added biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid piperidin-4-yl ester (9.4 g, 32 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 3) and was allowed to stir for 30 minutes, followed by the addition of NaBH(OAc)₃ (20.3 g, 96 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight. After overnight, the solution was concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture was taken up in DCM (400 mL) and washed with 1N NaOH (200 mL), water (200 mL) and brine (200 mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated then purified via silica gel chromatography (10% MeOH in DCM with 1% NH₃(aq)) to afford the title compound (7.98 g, 16.6 mmol) in 52% yield.

Example 1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4-Hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl Ester

Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{3-[3-(3-hydroxylpropyl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl ester (5.2 g, 10.8 mmol, 1.0 eq; prepared as described in Preparation 4) was dissolved in DCM (120 mL) and cooled to −15° C. DMSO (7.6 mL, 108.3 mmol, 10 eq) was added, followed by DIPEA (9.4 mL, 54.1 mmol, 5 eq). After 5 minutes of stirring, pyridine-sulfur trioxide complex (8.6 g, 54.1 mmol, 5 eq) was added in one portion as a solid. The reaction was stirred for two hours, during which it was permitted to warm slowly to 0° C. After the complete conversion of the starting material, the organic solution was transferred to a separatory funnel and washed with saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate and brine. The organic phase was then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtered. To the filtrate was added anhydrous MeOH (120 mL), and cooled to 0° C. for 15 minutes. p-Hydroxybenzylamine-hydrobromide (4.18 g, 20.5 mmol, 1.9 eq) was added as a solid and the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes at 0° C. Solid Na(OAc)₃BH (6.86 g, 32.4 mmol, 3.0 eq) was added in one portion, and the reaction was removed from the ice bath and stirred for 1 hour. Aqueous HCl (1N, 500 mL) was added to the reaction, and the solution was transferred to a separatory funnel. The DCM layer was removed and EtOAc (300 mL) was added. The layers were well mixed and separated. Solid NaOH was added to the aqueous acid layer to adjust the pH to 12-14. The aqueous base layer was then extracted with EtOAc (2×250 mL). The extracted organic layers were combined, washed with saturated brine, and dried over sodium sulfate. The drying agent was removed via filtration and the organic solution was concentrated to yield 5.6 g (88% yield crude, over two steps). The crude material was dissolved in DCM (˜1 g/50 mL) and with vigorous stirring was added 0.5 M NaH₂PO₄ (3×250 mL). The acidic washes were combined and brought to pH=6.5 using 6N NaOH. The aqueous layer was then washed using DCM (300 mL). The aqueous layer was then removed and brought to pH=˜11 using 6N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3×250 mL). The extracted organic layers were combined, washed with water (2×200 ml) and saturated brine (250 mL), and dried over sodium sulfate. The drying agent was removed via filtration and the organic solution was concentrated. The final purification was conducted via silica gel chromatography (eluent: 11% MeOH in DCM with 1% NH₃(25% aq)) to afford the title compound (2.5 g, 4.32 mmol, 40% yield). MS m/z: [M+H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₃N₅O₄, 586.3; found, 586.4.

The title compound was also prepared as the acetate salt using the following procedure: To a round bottomed flask was added the title compound (400 mg, 0.634 mmol; prepared as described above) and a stir bar. To the flask was added ACN (40 mL) with stirring for 30-40 minutes. Next HOAc (0.043 mL, 0.697 mmol, 1.1 eq) was added with stirring. After 1-2 minutes of stirring the stir bar was removed and the salt was allowed to form overnight. After overnight, the salt was scraped from the flask, filtered over filter paper (6 μM), washed with ACN (3×50 mL), then collected and dried (0.372 g, 91%).

The title compound was also prepared as the propionate salt using the following procedure: To a round bottomed flask was added the title compound (400 mg, 0.634 mmol; prepared as described above) and a stir bar. To the flask was added ACN (40 mL) with stirring for 30-40 minutes. Next propionic acid (0.052 mL, 0.697 mmol, 1.1 eq) was added with stirring. After 1-2 minutes of stirring the stir bar was removed and the salt was allowed to form overnight. After overnight, the salt was scraped from the flask, filtered over filter paper (6 μM), washed with ACN (3×50 mL), then collected and dried (0.367 g, 88%).

Example 2 Monopropionate Crystalline Salt of Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4-Hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl Ester

Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4-hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester (5 g, 8.55 mmol; prepared as described in Example 1) was added to a round bottomed flask. EtOH (33 mL) and EtOAc (33 mL) was added to the flask, with stirring for approximately 30 minutes. Next propionic acid (0.700 mL, 9.4 mmol, 1.1 eq) in EtOAc (23 mL) was added with stirring over 5 minutes. The salt was allowed to form overnight. After overnight, the crystalline salt was scraped from the flask, filtered over filter paper (6 μM), washed with 40% EtOH/EtOAc (3×50 mL), then collected and dried (4.98 g, 88.2%).

Therapeutic agents useful for treating pulmonary or respiratory disorders are advantageously administered directly into the respiratory tract by inhalation. In this regard, several types of pharmaceutical inhalation devices have been developed for administering therapeutic agents by inhalation including dry powder inhalers (DPI), metered-dose inhalers (MDI) and nebulizer inhalers. When preparing pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for use in such devices, it is highly desirable to have a crystalline form of the therapeutic agent that is neither hygroscopic nor deliquescent and which has a relatively high melting point thereby allowing the material to be micronized without significant decomposition. The title compound meets those needs.

In addition, acetate, lactate, succinate, sulfate, napadisylate and hydrochloride salt crystals of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4-hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester were prepared in a similar manner.

Powder X-Ray Diffraction

Powder X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained with a Rigaku diffractometer using Cu Kα (30.0 kV, 15.0 mA) radiation. The analysis was performed with the goniometer running in continuous-scan mode of 3° per minute with a step size of 0.03° over a range of 2 to 45°. Samples were prepared on quartz specimen holders as a thin layer of powdered material. The instrument was calibrated with a silicon metal standard. The PXRD pattern for the monopropionate salt showed the material to be crystalline. A representative PXRD pattern for a sample of this crystalline salt is shown in FIG. 1. The crystalline salt can be characterized by a PXRD pattern having two or more diffraction peaks at 2θ values selected from 8.51±0.2, 10.68±0.2, 11.99±0.2, 12.86±0.2, 13.46±0.2, 14.67±0.2, 15.26±0.2, 16.13±0.2, 17.99±0.2, 18.68±0.2, 19.28±0.2, 19.90±0.2, 20.72±0.2, 21.53±0.2, 22.43±0.2, 23.90±0.2, 24.44±0.2, 25.17±0.2, 25.88±0.2, 26.48±0.2, 26.84±0.2, 27.87±0.2, 28.98±0.2, 30.24±0.2 31.70±0.2, 31.97±0.2, 32.75±0.2, 33.83±0.2, 34.62±0.2, 35.87±0.2, 36.41±0.2, 37.51±0.2, and 39.22±0.2. In particular, this crystalline form is characterized by a powder x-ray diffraction pattern comprising diffraction peaks at 2θ values of 8.51±0.2, 12.86±0.2, 13.46, ±0.2, 16.13±0.2, 17.99±0.2, 18.68±0.2, 20.72±0.2, 21.53±0.2, 22.43±0.2, 23.90±0.2, 24.44±0.2, and 25.88±0.2.

Thermal Analysis

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed using a TA Instruments Model Q-10 module with a Thermal Analyst controller. Data were collected and analyzed using TA Instruments Thermal Solutions software. A sample of about 1 mg was accurately weighed into an aluminum pan with lid. The sample was evaluated using a linear heating ramp of 10° C./min from ambient temperature to approximately 300° C. The DSC cell was purged with dry nitrogen during use. A representative DSC trace for a sample of crystalline monopropionate salt (FIG. 2) showed that this crystalline salt has good thermal stability with the melting peak at about 141° C.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed using a TA Instruments Model Q-50 module equipped with high resolution capability. Data were collected and analyzed using TA Instruments Thermal Solutions software. A sample weighing about 2 mg was placed onto a platinum pan and scanned with a high resolution-heating rate from ambient temperature to 300° C. The balance and furnace chambers were purged with nitrogen flows during use. A representative TGA trace for a sample of this crystalline salt showed a loss of solvents and/or water (<1.00%) at temperatures below 100° C., as seen in FIG. 2. This TGA trace indicate that the crystalline salt lost a small amount of weight from room temperature to moderately elevated temperatures, which is consistent with the loss of residual moisture or solvent.

Dynamic Moisture Sorption Assessment

A dynamic moisture sorption (DMS) assessment (also known as a moisture sorption-desorption profile) was performed for samples of the crystalline monopropionate salt using a VTI atmospheric microbalance, SGA-100 system (VTI Corp., Hialeah, Fla. 33016). A sample size of approximately 10 mg was used and the humidity was set at the ambient value at the start of the analysis. A typical DMS analysis consisted of three scans: ambient to 2% relative humidity (RH), 2% RH to 90% RH, 90% RH to 5% RH at a scan rate of 5% RH/step. The mass was measured every two minutes and the RH was changed to the next value (+/−5% RH) when the mass of the sample was stable to within 0.01% for 5 consecutive points. A representative DMS trace for a sample of this crystalline salt showed a reversible sorption/desorption profile with low hygroscopicity, with a 0.3% weight gain when exposed to a humidity range of 40-75% RH. The DMS trace demonstrated that the crystalline salt had a reversible sorption/desorption profile with low hygroscopicity. The crystalline salt had an acceptable weight gain when exposed to a broad humidity range. The reversible moisture sorption/desorption profile demonstrated that the crystalline salt possessed an acceptable hygroscopicity and was not deliquescent.

Solid State Stability Assessment

Samples of the monopropionate crystalline salt, about 200 mg each, were stored in multiple 3 mL borosilicate vials at −20° C. (closed container), 40° C./75% RH (open and closed container), and at 50° C. (closed container). At specific intervals, the entire contents of a representative vial was analyzed by the following HPLC method:

Column: Agilent Zorbox SB-C18, 4.6×250 mm, 5 μm; Mobile Phase A: 98% water, 2% ACN, 0.1% TFA; Mobile Phase B: 10% water, 90% ACN; 0.1% TFA; Flow rate: 1 mL/min; Injection Volume: 20 μL; Detector: 220 nm; Gradient-Time in minutes (% Mobile Phase B): 0.0 (10); 4.00 (20); 26.00 (28); 34.40 (100); 38.40 (100); 38.50 (10); and 45.00 (10). Samples were prepared as 10 mg/mL stock solutions in 10-50% ACN in H₂O, depending on the solubility. These stock solutions were diluted to 1 mg/mL in 10% ACN for injection onto the HPLC.

The initial purity of the samples was 98.9% as determined by HPLC area percentage. After 6 weeks of storage, for the samples kept under all conditions, there was no detectable change in chemical purity, no observable change in the appearance of the material, and analysis by DSC and TGA showed no detectable differences.

Micronization

A 10.3 g sample of the monopropionate crystalline salt was micronized to give 9.0 g of a free-flowing white powder (88% recovery). Pre-micronization, the crystalline salt had an initial purity of 98.9% as determined by HPLC area percentage. The purity of the micronized material was the same. The water content of the pre-micronized material was 0.3 wt %, and the water content of the micronized material was 0.6 wt %. The particle size distribution was as follows:

Pre-Micronization Post-Micronization D (v, 0.9) 117.6 μm 5.4 μm D (v, 0.5)  31.9 μm 2.1 μm D (v, 0.1)  3.0 μm 0.5 μm

No significant changes were observed in the powder x-ray diffraction pattern, TGA, DSC, DMS, chemical purity, chiral purity and moisture content for the micronized material compared to the unmicronized material. For example, a sample of the crystalline salt showed a 0.7% weight gain in the humidity range of 40-70% RH, while the micronized material showed a 1.0% weight gain in this range.

Preparation 5 1-[3-(tert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]imidazolidin-2-one

To a stirred solution of 2-imidazolidone (5.0 g, 60 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) was added NaH (2.4 g, 60% in mineral oil, 60 mmol). The reaction was then heated to 50° C. and was allowed to stir until bubbling of H₂ ceased (˜1 hour). To the mixture was added dropwise (3-bromopropoxy)-tert-butyldimethylsilane (13.5 mL, 60 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 3 hours at 50° C. After 3 hours, the reaction was cooled to room temperature and condensed under reduced pressure and then dissolved in DCM (250 mL) and washed with 1N HCl (500 mL), water (500 mL), NaCl (sat.) (500 mL), dried over MgSO₄ and then filtered. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified via silica gel chromatography (10% MeOH/DCM) to afford the title compound in 45% yield (6.9 g, 26.7 mmol).

Preparation 6 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-{3-[3-(3-Hydroxylpropyl) 2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl Ester

To a stirred solution of 1-[3-(tert-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]imidazolidin-2-one (38 g, 147 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 5) in DMF (500 mL) was added NaH (6.4 g, 60% in mineral oil, 160 mmol). The reaction was then heated to 50° C. and was allowed to stir until bubbling of H₂ ceased (˜1 hours). The reaction was then cooled to room temperature. To the reaction mixture was dropwise added 1,3-dibromopropane (14.0 mL, 147 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 16 hours. Next, DIPEA (52 mL, 294 mmol) and biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid piperidin-4-yl ester (47 g, 160 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 3) was added to the reaction and this was heated to 50° C. for 18 hours. After 18 hours, the reaction was cooled to room temperature and then condensed under reduced pressure. The crude reaction mixture was dissolved in 1:1 mixture of 1N HCl:ACN (250 mL) and heated to 50° C. for 5 hours. The reaction was then condensed under reduced pressure, dissolved in DCM (500 mL), washed with 1N HCl (500 mL), water (500 mL), NaCl (sat.) (500 mL), dried over MgSO₄ and then filtered. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified via silica gel chromatography (10% MeOH/DCM w/1% NH3 (aq)) to afford the title compound in 9.8% yield (8.6 g, 14.4 mmol).

Example 3

Compound 3-1 was synthesized as follows. To a stirred solution of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{3-[3-(3-hydroxylpropyl) 2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl ester (48 mg, 0.10 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 6) in DCM (1.0 mL) and cooled to −15° C., was added DMSO (56 μL, 1.0 mmol, 10 eq), followed by DIPEA (86.9 mL, 0.5 mmol, 5 eq). After 5 minutes of stirring, pyridine.sulfur trioxide complex (80 mg, 0.5 mmol, 5 eq) was added in one portion as a solid. The reaction was stirred for two hours, during which it was permitted to warm slowly to 0° C. After complete conversion of the starting material, the organic solution was transferred to a separatory funnel and washed with saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate and brine. The organic phase was then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtered. To the filtrate was added anhydrous MeOH (1.0 mL), followed by tyramine (21 mg, 0.15 mmol) and Na(OAc)₃BH (63.3 mg, 0.3 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir for 16 hours. Next the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and then dissolved in 1:1 mixture HOAc:H₂O (1.5 mL) and purified on reverse-phase silica gel (gradient elution, 10-50% ACN/H₂O) to afford the title compound in 13% yield (over 2 step) (15.6 mg, 0.019 mmol).

Compounds 3-2 and 3-3 were made in a similar manner, and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents.

# Name Y 3-1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[2-(4- hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin- 1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₅H₄₅N₅O₄, 600.3; found, 600.4.

3-2 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(2- hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₃N₅O₄, 586.3; found, 586.4.

3-3 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(3-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzylamino)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₅H₄₅N₅O₅, 616.3; found, 616.4.

Example 4

Following the procedure described in Example 3 and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents, the following compounds were prepared.

# Name Y 4-1  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4-carbamoyl- piperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₃H₄₆N₆O₄, 591.4; found, 600.4.

4-2  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(3-diethyl- carbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₇H₅₄N₆O₄, 647.4; found, 674.4.

4-3  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(3-diethyl- aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₅H₅₂N₆O₃, 605.4; found, 605.4.

4-4  Biphenyl-2-yl-carbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[2-(2-hydroxy- ethyl)-piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₉N₅O₄, 592.4; found, 592.4.

4-5  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[3-(2-hydroxy- ethyl)piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₉N₅O₄, 592.4; found, 592.4.

4-6  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-((S)-2-hydroxy- methylpyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₂H₄₅N₅O₄, 564.4; found, 564.4.

4-7  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(3-hydroxy- methylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₃H₄₇N₅O₄, 578.4; found, 578.4.

4-8  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(2-hydroxy- methylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₃H₄₇N₅O₄, 578.4; found, 578.4.

4-9  Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-((S)-2- dimethylcarbamoylpyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2- oxoimidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₈N₆O₄, 605.4; found, 605.4.

4-10 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-((R)-2- carbamoylpyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₂H₄₄N₆O₄, 577.4; found, 577.4.

4-11 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[4-(3-hydroxy- ethyl)piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₉N₅O₄, 592.4; found, 592.4.

4-12 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4- hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₂H₄₅N₅O₄, 564.4; found, 564.4.

4-13 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(3- hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₃₂H₄₅N₅O₄, 564.4; found, 564.4.

4-14 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-((R)-3- dimethylaminopyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxo- imidazolidin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₃H₄₈N₆O₃, 577.4; found, 577.4.

4-15 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{3-[2-oxo-3-(3- pyrrolidin-1-ylpropyl)imidazolidin-1-yl]propyl} piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/zz: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₁H₄₃N₅O₃, 534.4; found, 534.4.

4-16 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(3-hydroxy- pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₁H₄₃N₅O₄, 550.3; found, 550.2.

4-17 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[4-(2- hydroxyethylcarbamoyl)piperidin-1-yl]propyl}-2- oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₅H₅₀N₆O₅, 634.4; found, 635.4.

4-18 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(4-dimethyl- amino-piperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₅₀N₆O₃, 591.4; foumnd, 591.4.

Example 5

Following the procedure described in Example 3 and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents, the following compounds were prepared.

# Name Y 5-1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{3-[3-(3- methylaminopropyl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calc'd for C₂₈H₃₉N₅O₃, 494.3; found, 494.4.

5-2 Biphenyl-2-yl-carbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-(2- hydroxyethylamino)propyl]-2-oxo-imidazolidin- 1-yl}propyl)-piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₉H₄₁N₅O₄, 524.3; found, 524.2.

5-3 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[ethyl-(2- hydroxyethyl)amino]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin- 1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₁H₄₅N₅O₄, 552.4; found, 552.2.

5-4 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[bis-(2- hydroxyethyl)amino]propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin- 1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₁H₄₅N₅O₅, 568.4; found, 568.4)

5-5 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[(2- hydroxyethyl)methylamino]propyl}-2- oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺ calcd for C₃₀H₄₃N₅O₄, 537.3; found, 538.2.

5-6 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[3-(3-{3-[(1R,4R)- 5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2- yl]-propyl}-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₈H₄₇FN₆O₃, 655.38; found, 655.4.

5-7 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-((1S,4S)- 5-methyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2- yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₃H₄₆N₆O₃, 575.37; found, 575.4.

5-8 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{3-[3-((1R,4R)- 5-benzyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2- yl)propyl]-2-oxoimidazolidin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₉H₅₀N₆O₃, 651.40; found, 651.4.

Preparation 7 1,4-Bis(3-chloropropyl)piperazine-2,5-dione

To a stirred solution of glycine anhydride (5.0 g, 43 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) was added NaH (3.9 g, 96 mmol). The reaction was then heated to 50° C. and was allowed to stir until bubbling of H₂ ceased (˜1 h). The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and to the mixture was added 3-chloro-1-bromopropane (9.3 mL, 96 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. After overnight, the reaction was condensed in vacuo and then dissolved in DCM (200 mL) and washed with 1N HCl (100 mL), water (100 mL), NaCl (sat.) (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄ and then filtered. The solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude material was sufficiently pure to use without further purification. The title compound was obtained in 79% yield (9.9 g, 37.3 mmol).

Example 6 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-(3-{4-[3-(4-Hydroxybenzylamino)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl Ester

To a stirred solution of 1,4-bis(3-chloropropyl)piperazine-2,5-dione (40 mg, 0.15 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 7) in DMF (1.5 mL) was added biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid piperidin-4-yl ester (44 mg, 0.15 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 3) and DIPEA (0.078 mL, 0.45 mmol) and the reaction was allowed to stir overnight at room temperature. After overnight, 4-hydroxybenzyl amine (18.5 mg, 0.15 mmol) was added and the reaction heated to 50° C. for 16 hours. Next the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and then dissolved in 1:1 mixture HOAc:H₂O (1.5 mL) and purified on reverse-phase silica gel (gradient elution, 10-50% ACN/H₂O) to afford the title compound in 10% yield (over 2 step) (13 mg, 0.015 mmol). MS m/z: [M+H⁺] calcd for C₃₅H₄₃N₅O₅, 614.4; found, 614.2).

Example 7 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-[3-(4-{3-[2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino]propyl}-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1-yl)propyl]piperidin-4-yl Ester

The tile compound was prepared following the procedure described in Example 6 and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents. MS m/z: [M+H⁺] calcd for C₃₆H₄₅N₅O₅, 628.3; found, 628.4.

Example 8

Following the procedure described in Example 6 and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents, the following compounds were prepared.

# Name Y 8-1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{4-[3-(4- carbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin- 1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₆N₆O₅, 619.4; found, 619.4.

8-2 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{4-[3-(4- hydroxymethylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5-dioxo- piperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₇N₅O₅, 606.4; found, 606.8.

8-3 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{4-[3-(3- diethylcarbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5- dioxopiperazin-1-yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₈H₅₄N₆O₅, 675.4; found, 675.4.

8-4 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{3-[2,5-dioxo-4-(3- pyrrolidin-1-yl-propyl)piperazin-1- yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₂H₄₃N₅O₄, 562.3; found, 562.4.

8-5 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{4-[3-(3- hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₂H₄₃N₅O₅, 578.3; found, 578.2.

Example 9

Following the procedure described in Example 6 and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents, the following compounds were prepared.

# Name Y 9-1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{3-[4-(3- methylaminopropyl)-2,5-dioxopiperazin-1- yl]propyl}piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₉H₃₉N₅O₄, 522.3; found, 522.2.

9-2 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{4-[3-(2- hhydroxyethylamino)propyl]-2,5-dioxopiperazin- 1-yl}-propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₀H₄₁N₅O₅, 552.3; found, 552.2.

9-3 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(3-{2,5-dioxo-4- [3-(3-oxopiperazin-1-yl)propyl]piperazin-1- yl}propyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₂H₄₂N₆O₅, 591.3; found, 591.2.

Preparation 8

Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid piperidin-4-yl ester (5 g, 16.95 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 3) was dissolved in ACN (100 mL). To the solution was added 2-(Boc-amino)ethyl bromide (4.18 g, 18.64 mmol) followed by DIPEA (8.84 mL, 50.85 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 17 hours then cooled to room temperature. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was taken up in 100 mL of DCM, and washed with brine (100 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give the Boc-protected compound as an off-white solid (7 g, 94%).

Preparation 9 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-(2-Aminoethyl)piperidin-4-yl Ester

The product of Preparation 8 (7 g, 15.94 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (80 mL). TFA (20 mL) was added to the solution at room temperature and stirring was continued for 17 hours. The reaction was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was taken up in DCM (100 mL). The solution was washed with 1N NaOH (100 mL) and brine (100 mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to give the title compound as an off-white solid (4.66 g, 86%).

Preparation 10 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[3-(5-Aminopentyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl Ester

The product of Preparation 9 (1.5 g, 4.4 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (11 mL). To the solution was added DIPEA (2.29 mL, 13.2 mmol) followed by CDI (0.75 g, 4.65 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours before it was treated with N-Boc-1,5-diaminopentane (1.34 g, 6.6 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 4 hours and cooled to room temperature under stirring. The reaction was treated with 20 mL of TFA/DCM (1:1) solution and stirred at room temperature for 17 hours before it was taken up in DCM (100 mL). The mixture was washed with 1N NaOH (100 mL) followed by brine (100 mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated. 2.09 g of crude product was obtained as a foaming solid and used without further purification.

Example 10 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-[2-(3-{5-[2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino]pentyl}ureido)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl Ester

The product of Preparation 10 (50 mg, 0.1 mmol) and DIPEA (35 μL, 0.2 mmol) were dissolved in ACN (1 mL). To the solution was added 4-hydroxyphenethyl chloride (20 mg, 0.12 mmol) followed by NaI (catalytic amount). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight before it was concentrated. The crude product was purified by reversed-phase HPLC to afford 7.3 mg of the title compound as a bis(trifluoroacetate) salt. MS m/z: [M+H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₅N₅O₄, 588.4; found, 588.4.

Example 11 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic Acid 1-(2-{3-[5-(4-Methoxybenzenesulfonylamino) pentyl]ureido}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl Ester

Following the procedure described in Example 10 and substituting 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride for the 4-hydroxyphenethyl chloride, the title compound was prepared. MS m/z: [M+H⁺] calcd for C₃₃H₄₃N₅O₆S, 638.3; found, 638.2.

Example 12

Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[3-(5-aminopentyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl ester (50 mg, 0.1 mmol; prepared as described in Preparation 10) and the appropriate aldehyde (0.1 mmol) (e.g., 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde was used for the synthesis of compound 12-1) were dissolved in MeOH (1 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and then Na(OAc)₃BH (64 mg, 0.3 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour before it was concentrated. The crude product was purified by reversed-phase HPLC to afford the following compounds as bis(trifluoroacetate) salts.

# Name Y 12-1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{3-[5-(3- hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylamino)pentyl] ureido}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₅N₅O₅, 604.3; found, 604.3.

12-2 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[2-(3-{5-[4-(3- dimethylaminopropoxy)benzylamino]pentyl} ureido)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₈H₅₄N₆O₄, 659.4; found, 659.4.

12-3 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{3-[5-(4- methoxybenzylamino)pentyl]ureido}ethyl) piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₅N₅O₄, 588.4; found, 588.3.

12-4 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{3-[5-(3- cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxybenzylamino) pentyl]ureido}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₉H₅₃N₅O₅, 672.4; found, 672.3.

12-5 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[2-(3-{5- [(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)amino)pentyl} ureido)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₄H₄₃N₅O₅, 601.3; found, 602.2.

Example 13

Following the procedure described in Example 10 and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents, the following compounds were prepared.

# Name R^(Qa) f Y 13-1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[1- methyl-3-(3-pyrrolidin-1-yl- propyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₉H₄₁N₅O₃, 508.3; found, 508.3. —CH₃ 1

13-2 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[3-(3- pyrrolidin-1-yl-propyl)ureido]ethyl} piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₈H₃₉N₅O₃, 494.3; found, 494.3. H 1

13-3 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[3-(2- piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)ureido]ethyl} piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₈H₃₉N₅O₃, 494.3; found, 494.3. H 0

13-4 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[1- methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)ureido] ethyl}piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₉H₄₁N₅O₃, 508.3, found, 508.3. —CH₃ 0

Example 14

Following the procedure described in Example 10 and substituting the appropriate starting materials and reagents, the following compounds were prepared.

# Name R^(Qb) f Y 14-1 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[3-(5- isobutylaminopentyl)ureido]ethyl}piperidin- 4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₃₀H₄₅N₅O₃, 524.4; found, 524.3. H 3

14-2 Biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-{2-[3- methyl-3-(2-methylaminoethyl)ureido] ethyl}piperidin-4-yl ester. MS m/z: [M + H⁺] calcd for C₂₅H₃₅N₅O₃, 453.3; found, 454.2. —CH₃ 0

Assay 1 Radioligand Binding Assay Membrane Preparation from Cells Expressing hM₁, hM₂, hM₃ and hM₄ Muscarinic Receptor Subtypes

CHO cell lines stably expressing cloned human hM₁, hM₂, hM₃ and hM₄ muscarinic receptor subtypes, respectively, were grown to near confluency in medium consisting of HAM's F-12 supplemented with 10% FBS and 250 μg/mL Geneticin. The cells were grown in a 5% CO₂, 37° C. incubator and lifted with 2 mM EDTA in dPBS. Cells were collected by 5 minute centrifugation at 650×g, and cell pellets were either stored frozen at −80° C. or membranes were prepared immediately. For membrane preparation, cell pellets were resuspended in lysis buffer and homogenized with a Polytron PT-2100 tissue disrupter (Kinematica AG; 20 seconds×2 bursts). Crude membranes were centrifuged at 40,000×g for 15 minutes at 4° C. The membrane pellet was then resuspended with resuspension buffer and homogenized again with the Polytron tissue disrupter. The protein concentration of the membrane suspension was determined by the method described in Lowry, O. et al., Journal of Biochemistry 193:265 (1951). All membranes were stored frozen in aliquots at −80° C. or used immediately. Aliquots of prepared hM₅ receptor membranes were purchased directly from Perkin Elmer and stored at −80° C. until use.

Radioligand Binding Assay on Muscarinic Receptor Subtypes hM₁, hM₂, hM₃, hM₄ and hM₅

Radioligand binding assays were performed in 96-well microtiter plates in a total assay volume of 100 μL. CHO cell membranes stably expressing either the hM₁, hM₂, hM₃, hM₄ or hM₅ muscarinic subtype were diluted in assay buffer to the following specific target protein concentrations (μg/well): 10 μg for hM₁, 10-15 μg for hM₂, 10-20 μg for hM₃, 10-20 μg for hM₄, and 10-12 μg for hM₅. The membranes were briefly homogenized using a Polytron tissue disruptor (10 seconds) prior to assay plate addition. Saturation binding studies for determining K_(D) values of the radioligand were performed using L-[N-methyl-3H]scopolamine methyl chloride ([³H]-NMS) (TRK666, 84.0 Ci/mmol, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Buckinghamshire, England) at concentrations ranging from 0.001 nM to 20 nM. Displacement assays for determination of K_(i) values of test compounds were performed with [³H]-NMS at 1 nM and eleven different test compound concentrations. The test compounds were initially dissolved to a concentration of 400 μM in dilution buffer and then serially diluted 5× with dilution buffer to final concentrations ranging from 10 pM to 100 μM. The addition order and volumes to the assay plates were as follows: 25 μL radioligand, 25 μL diluted test compound, and 50 μL membranes. Assay plates were incubated for 60 minutes at 37° C. Binding reactions were terminated by rapid filtration over GF/B glass fiber filter plates (PerkinElmer Inc., Wellesley, Mass.) pre-treated in 1% BSA. Filter plates were rinsed three times with wash buffer (10 mM HEPES) to remove unbound radioactivity. Plates were then air dried, and 50 μL Microscint-20 liquid scintillation fluid (PerkinElmer Inc., Wellesley, Mass.) was added to each well. The plates were then counted in a PerkinElmer Topcount liquid scintillation counter (PerkinElmer Inc., Wellesley, Mass.). Binding data were analyzed by nonlinear regression analysis with the GraphPad Prism Software package (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, Calif.) using the one-site competition model. K_(i) values for test compounds were calculated from observed IC₅₀ values and the K_(D) value of the radioligand using the Cheng-Prusoff equation (Cheng Y; Prusoff W. H. Biochemical Pharmacology 22(23):3099-108 (1973)). K_(i) values were converted to pK_(i) values to determine the geometric mean and 95% confidence intervals. These summary statistics were then converted back to K_(i) values for data reporting.

In this assay, a lower K_(i) value indicates that the test compound has a higher binding affinity for the receptor tested. For example, the compound of Example 1 was found to have a K_(i) value of less than about 5 nM for the M₃ muscarinic receptor subtype when tested in this or a similar assay.

Assay 2 Muscarinic Receptor Functional Potency Assays Blockade of Agonist-Mediated Inhibition of cAMP Accumulation

In this assay, the functional potency of a test compound is determined by measuring the ability of the test compound to block oxotremorine-inhibition of forskolin-mediated cAMP accumulation in CHO-K1 cells expressing the hM₂ receptor. cAMP assays are performed in a radioimmunoassay format using the Flashplate Adenylyl Cyclase Activation Assay System with ¹²⁵I-cAMP (NEN SMP004B, PerkinElmer Life Sciences Inc., Boston, Mass.), according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cells are rinsed once with dPBS and lifted with Trypsin-EDTA solution (0.05% trypsin/0.53 mM EDTA) as described in the Cell Culture and Membrane Preparation section above. The detached cells are washed twice by centrifugation at 650×g for five minutes in 50 mLs dPBS. The cell pellet is then re-suspended in 10 mL dPBS, and the cells are counted with a Coulter Z1 Dual Particle Counter (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, Calif.). The cells are centrifuged again at 650×g for five minutes and re-suspended in stimulation buffer to an assay concentration of 1.6×10⁶-2.8×10⁶ cells/mL. The test compound is initially dissolved to a concentration of 400 μM in dilution buffer (dPBS supplemented with 1 mg/mL BSA (0.1%)), and then serially diluted with dilution buffer to final molar concentrations ranging from 100 μM to 0.1 nM. Oxotremorine is diluted in a similar manner.

To measure oxotremorine inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, 25 μL forskolin (25 μM final concentration diluted in dPBS), 25 μL diluted oxotremorine, and 50 μL cells are added to agonist assay wells. To measure the ability of a test compound to block oxotremorine-inhibited AC activity, 25 μL forskolin and oxotremorine (25 μM and 5 μM final concentrations, respectively, diluted in dPBS) 25 μL diluted test compound, and 50 μL cells are added to remaining assay wells. Reactions are incubated for 10 minutes at 37° C. and stopped by addition of 100 μL ice-cold detection buffer. Plates are sealed, incubated overnight at room temperature and counted the next morning on a PerkinElmer TopCount liquid scintillation counter (PerkinElmer Inc., Wellesley, Mass.). The amount of cAMP produced (pmol/well) is calculated based on the counts observed for the samples and cAMP standards, as described in the manufacturer's user manual. Data are analyzed by nonlinear regression analysis with the GraphPad Prism Software package (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, Calif.) using the non-linear regression, one-site competition equation. The Cheng-Prusoff equation is used to calculate the K_(i), using the EC₅₀ of the oxotremorine concentration-response curve and the oxotremorine assay concentration as the K_(D) and [L], respectively. The K_(i) values are converted to pK_(i) values to determine the geometric mean and 95% confidence intervals. These summary statistics are then converted back to K_(i) values for data reporting.

In this assay, a lower K_(i) value indicates that the test compound has a higher functional activity at the receptor tested. Compounds of the invention are expected to have a K_(i) value of less than about 10 nM for blockade of oxotremorine-inhibition of forskolin-mediated cAMP accumulation in CHO-K1 cells expressing the hM₂ receptor, when tested in this or a similar assay.

Blockade of Agonist-Mediated [³⁵S]GTPγS Binding

In a second functional assay, the functional potency of test compounds can be determined by measuring the ability of the compounds to block oxotremorine-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding in CHO-K1 cells expressing the hM₂ receptor.

At the time of use, frozen membranes are thawed and then diluted in assay buffer with a final target tissue concentration of 5-10 μg protein per well. The membranes are briefly homogenized using a Polytron PT-2100 tissue disrupter and then added to the assay plates. The EC₉₀ value (effective concentration for 90% maximal response) for stimulation of [³⁵S]GTPγS binding by the agonist oxotremorine is determined in each experiment.

To determine the ability of a test compound to inhibit oxotremorine-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding, the following is added to each well of 96 well plates: 25 μL of assay buffer with [³⁵S]GTPγS (0.4 nM), 25 μL of oxotremorine(EC₉₀) and GDP (3 μM), 25 μL of diluted test compound and 25 μL CHO cell membranes expressing the hM₂ receptor. The assay plates are then incubated at 37° C. for 60 minutes. The assay plates are filtered over 1% BSA-pretreated GF/B filters using a PerkinElmer 96-well harvester. The plates are rinsed with ice-cold wash buffer for 3×3 seconds and then air or vacuum dried. Microscint-20 scintillation liquid (50 μL) is added to each well, and each plate is sealed and radioactivity counted on a topcounter (PerkinElmer). Data are analyzed by nonlinear regression analysis with the GraphPad Prism Software package (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, Calif.) using the non-linear regression, one-site competition equation. The Cheng-Prusoff equation is used to calculate the K_(i), using the IC₅₀ values of the concentration-response curve for the test compound and the oxotremorine concentration in the assay as the K_(D) and [L], ligand concentration, respectively.

In this assay, a lower K_(i) value indicates that the test compound has a higher functional activity at the receptor tested. Compounds of the invention are expected to have a K_(i) value of less than about 10 nM for blockade of oxotremorine-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding in CHO-K1 cells expressing the hM₂ receptor, when tested in this or a similar assay.

Blockade of Agonist-Mediated Calcium Release Via FLIPR Assays

Muscarinic receptor subtypes (M₁, M₃ and M₅ receptors), which couple to G_(q) proteins, activate the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway upon agonist binding to the receptor. As a result, activated PLC hydrolyzes phosphatyl inositol diphosphate (PIP₂) to diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidyl-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP₃), which in turn generates calcium release from intracellular stores, i.e., endoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticulum. The FLIPR (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) assay capitalizes on this increase in intracellular calcium by using a calcium sensitive dye (Fluo-4AM, Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.) that fluoresces when free calcium binds. This fluorescence event is measured in real time by the FLIPR, which detects the change in fluorescence from a monolayer of cells cloned with human M₁ and M₃, and chimpanzee M₅ receptors. Antagonist potency can be determined by the ability of antagonists to inhibit agonist-mediated increases in intracellular calcium.

For FLIPR calcium stimulation assays, CHO cells stably expressing the hM₁, hM₃ and cM₅ receptors are seeded into 96-well FLIPR plates the night before the assay is done. Seeded cells are washed twice by Cellwash (MTX Labsystems, Inc.) with FLIPR buffer (10 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 2 mM calcium chloride, 2.5 mM probenecid in Hank's Buffered Salt Solution (HBSS) without calcium and magnesium) to remove growth media and leaving 50 μL/well of FLIPR buffer. The cells are then incubated with 50 μL/well of 4 μM FLUO-4AM (a 2× solution was made) for 40 minutes at 37° C., 5% carbon dioxide. Following the dye incubation period, cells are washed two times with FLIPR buffer, leaving a final volume of 50 μL/well.

To determine antagonist potency, the dose-dependent stimulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ release for oxotremorine is first determined so that antagonist potency can later be measured against oxotremorine stimulation at an EC₉₀ concentration. Cells are first incubated with compound dilution buffer for 20 minutes, followed by agonist addition, which is performed by the FLIPR. An EC₉₀ value for oxotremorine is generated according to the method detailed in the FLIPR measurement and data reduction section below, in conjunction with the formula EC_(F)=((F/100−F)^1/H)*EC₅₀. An oxotremorine concentration of 3×EC_(F) is prepared in stimulation plates such that an EC₉₀ concentration of oxotremorine is added to each well in the antagonist inhibition assay plates.

The parameters used for the FLIPR are: exposure length of 0.4 seconds, laser strength of 0.5 watts, excitation wavelength of 488 nm, and emission wavelength of 550 nm. Baseline is determined by measuring the change in fluorescence for 10 seconds prior to addition of agonist. Following agonist stimulation, the FLIPR continuously measured the change of fluorescence every 0.5 to 1 second for 1.5 minutes to capture the maximum fluorescence change. The change of fluorescence is expressed as maximum fluorescence minus baseline fluorescence for each well. The raw data is analyzed against the logarithm of drug concentration by nonlinear regression with GraphPad Prism (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, Calif.) using the built-in model for sigmoidal dose-response. Antagonist K_(i) values are determined by Prism using the oxotremorine EC₅₀ value as the K_(D) and the oxotremorine EC₉₀ for the ligand concentration according to the Cheng-Prusoff equation (Cheng & Prusoff, 1973).

In this assay, a lower K_(i) value indicates that the test compound has a higher functional activity at the receptor tested. Compounds of the invention are expected to have a K_(i) value of less than about 10 nM for blockade of agonist-mediated calcium release in CHO cells stably expressing the hM₃ receptor, when tested in this or a similar assay.

Assay 3 Determination of Duration of Bronchoprotection in Guinea Pig Model of Acetylcholine-Induced Bronchoconstriction

This in vivo assay is used to assess the bronchoprotective effects of test compounds exhibiting muscarinic receptor antagonist activity. Groups of six male guinea pigs (Duncan-Hartley (HsdPoc:DH) Harlan, Madison, Wis.) weighing between 250 and 350 g are individually identified by cage cards. Throughout the study animals are allowed access to food and water ad libitum.

Test compounds are administered via inhalation over 10 minutes in a whole-body exposure dosing chamber (R&S Molds, San Carlos, Calif.). The dosing chambers are arranged so that an aerosol was simultaneously delivered to 6 individual chambers from a central manifold. Guinea pigs are exposed to an aerosol of a test compound or vehicle (WFI). These aerosols are generated from aqueous solutions using an LC Star Nebulizer Set (Model 22F51, PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc. Midlothian, Va.) driven by a mixture of gases (CO₂=5%, O₂=21% and N₂=74%) at a pressure of 22 psi. The gas flow through the nebulizer at this operating pressure is approximately 3 L/minute. The generated aerosols are driven into the chambers by positive pressure. No dilution air is used during the delivery of aerosolized solutions. During the 10 minute nebulization, approximately 1.8 mL of solution is nebulized. This is measured gravimetrically by comparing pre- and post-nebulization weights of the filled nebulizer.

The bronchoprotective effects of test compounds administered via inhalation are evaluated using whole body plethysmography at 1.5, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-dose. Forty-five minutes prior to the start of the pulmonary evaluation, each guinea pig is anesthetized with an intramuscular injection of ketamine (43.75 mg/kg), xylazine (3.50 mg/kg) and acepromazine (1.05 mg/kg). After the surgical site is shaved and cleaned with 70% alcohol, a 2-3 cm midline incision of the ventral aspect of the neck was made. Then, the jugular vein is isolated and cannulated with a saline-filled polyethylene catheter (PE-50, Becton Dickinson, Sparks, Md.) to allow for intravenous infusions of ACh (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) in saline. The trachea is then dissected free and cannulated with a 14G teflon tube (#NE-014, Small Parts, Miami Lakes, Fla.). If required, anesthesia is maintained by additional intramuscular injections of the aforementioned anesthetic mixture. The depth of anesthesia is monitored and adjusted if the animal responds to pinching of its paw or if the respiration rate is greater than 100 breaths/minute.

Once the cannulations are complete, the animal is placed into a plethysmograph (#PLY3114, Buxco Electronics, Inc., Sharon, Conn.) and an esophageal pressure cannula (PE-160, Becton Dickinson, Sparks, Md.) is inserted to measure pulmonary driving pressure (pressure). The teflon tracheal tube is attached to the opening of the plethysmograph to allow the guinea pig to breathe room air from outside the chamber. The chamber is then sealed. A heating lamp is used to maintain body temperature and the guinea pig's lungs are inflated 3 times with 4 mL of air using a 10 mL calibration syringe (#5520 Series, Hans Rudolph, Kansas City, Mo.) to ensure that the lower airways do not collapse and that the animal does not suffer from hyperventilation.

Once it is determined that baseline values are within the range 0.3-0.9 mL/cm H₂O for compliance and within the range 0.1-0.199 cm H₂O/mL per second for resistance, the pulmonary evaluation is initiated. A Buxco pulmonary measurement computer program enables the collection and derivation of pulmonary values. Starting this program initiates the experimental protocol and data collection. The changes in volume over time that occur within the plethysmograph with each breath are measured via a Buxco pressure transducer. By integrating this signal over time, a measurement of flow is calculated for each breath. This signal, together with the pulmonary driving pressure changes, which are collected using a Sensym pressure transducer (#TRD4100), is connected via a Buxco (MAX 2270) preamplifier to a data collection interface (#'s SFT3400 and SFT3813). All other pulmonary parameters are derived from these two inputs.

Baseline values are collected for 5 minutes, after which time the guinea pigs are challenged with ACh. ACh (0.1 mg/mL) is infused intravenously for 1 minute from a syringe pump (sp210iw, World Precision Instruments, Inc., Sarasota, Fla.) at the following doses and prescribed times from the start of the experiment: 1.9 μg/minute at 5 minutes, 3.8 μg/minute at 10 minutes, 7.5 μg/minute at 15 minutes, 15.0 μg/minute at 20 minutes, 30 μg/minute at 25 minutes and 60 μg/minute at 30 minutes. If resistance or compliance has not returned to baseline values at 3 minutes following each ACh dose, the guinea pig's lungs are inflated 3 times with 4 mL of air from a 10 mL calibration syringe. Recorded pulmonary parameters includes respiration frequency (breaths/minute), compliance (mL/cm H₂O) and pulmonary resistance (cm H₂O/mL per second). Once the pulmonary function measurements are completed at minute 35 of this protocol, the guinea pig is removed from the plethysmograph and euthanized by carbon dioxide asphyxiation.

The data are evaluated in one or both of the following ways:

(a) Pulmonary resistance (R_(L), cm H₂O/mL per second) is calculated from the ratio of “change in pressure” to “the change in flow.” The R_(L) response to ACh (60 μg/min, 1H) is computed for the vehicle and the test compound groups. The mean ACh response in vehicle-treated animals, at each pre-treatment time, is calculated and used to compute % inhibition of ACh response, at the corresponding pre-treatment time, at each test compound dose. Inhibition dose-response curves for ‘R_(L)’ are fitted with a four parameter logistic equation using GraphPad Prism, version 3.00 for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.) to estimate bronchoprotective ID₅₀ (dose required to inhibit the ACh (60 μg/min) bronchoconstrictor response by 50%). The equation used is as follows: Y=Min+(Max−Min)/(1+10^(((log ID50-X)*Hillslope))) where X is the logarithm of dose, Y is the response (% Inhibition of ACh induced increase in R_(L)). Y starts at Min and approaches asymptotically to Max with a sigmoidal shape.

(b) The quantity PD₂, which is defined as the amount of ACh or histamine needed to cause a doubling of the baseline pulmonary resistance, is calculated using the pulmonary resistance values derived from the flow and the pressure over a range of ACh or histamine challenges using the following equation (which is derived from a equation used to calculate PC₂₀ values described in American Thoracic Society. Guidelines for methacholine and exercise challenge testing—1999. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 161:309-329 (2000)):

${PD}_{2} = {{antilog}\left\lbrack {{\log\; C_{1}} + \frac{\left( {{\log\; C_{2}} - {\log\; C_{1}}} \right)\left( {{2\; R_{0}} - R_{1}} \right)}{R_{2} - R_{1}}} \right\rbrack}$ where: C₁ is the concentration of ACh or histamine preceding C₂; C₂ is the concentration of ACh or histamine resulting in at least a 2-fold increase in pulmonary resistance (R_(L)); R₀ is the baseline R_(L) value; R₁ is the R_(L) value after C₁; and R₂ is the R_(L) value after C₂. An efficacious dose is defined as a dose that limits the bronchrestriction response to a 50 mg/mL dose of ACh to a doubling of the baseline pulmonary resistance (PD₂₍₅₀₎).

Statistical analysis of the data is performed using a two-tailed Students t-test. A P-value<0.05 is considered significant. Generally, test compounds having a PD₂₍₅₀₎ less than about 200 μg/mL for ACh-induced bronchoconstriction at 1.5 hours post-dose in this assay are preferred. Compounds of the invention are expected to have a PD₂₍₅₀₎ of less than about 200 μg/mL for ACh-induced bronchoconstriction at 1.5 hours post-dose, when tested in this or a similar assay.

Assay 4 Inhalation Guinea Pig Salivation Assay

Guinea pigs (Charles River, Wilmington, Mass.) weighing 200-350 g are acclimated to the in-house guinea pig colony for at least 3 days following arrival. Test compound or vehicle are dosed via inhalation (1H) over a 10 minute time period in a pie shaped dosing chamber (R&S Molds, San Carlos, Calif.). Test solutions are dissolved in sterile water and delivered using a nebulizer filled with 5.0 mL of dosing solution. Guinea pigs are restrained in the inhalation chamber for 30 minutes. During this time, guinea pigs are restricted to an area of approximately 110 sq. cm. This space is adequate for the animals to turn freely, reposition themselves, and allow for grooming. Following 20 minutes of acclimation, guinea pigs are exposed to an aerosol generated from a LS Star Nebulizer Set (Model 22F51, PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc. Midlothian, Va.) driven by house air at a pressure of 22 psi. Upon completion of nebulization, guinea pigs are evaluated at 1.5, 6, 12, 24, 48, or 72 hrs after treatment.

Guinea pigs are anesthetized one hour before testing with an intramuscular (IM) injection of a mixture of ketamine 43.75 mg/kg, xylazine 3.5 mg/kg, and acepromazine 1.05 mg/kg at an 0.88 mL/kg volume. Animals are placed ventral side up on a heated (37° C.) blanket at a 20 degree incline with their head in a downward slope. A 4-ply 2×2 inch gauze pad (Nu-Gauze General-use sponges, Johnson and Johnson, Arlington, Tex.) is inserted in the guinea pig's mouth. Five minutes later, the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine (3.0 mg/kg, SC) is administered and the gauze pad is immediately discarded and replaced by a new pre-weighed gauze pad. Saliva is collected for 10 minutes, at which point the gauze pad is weighed and the difference in weight recorded to determine the amount of accumulated saliva (in mg). The mean amount of saliva collected for animals receiving the vehicle and each dose of test compound is calculated. The vehicle group mean is considered to be 100% salivation. Results are calculated using result means (n=3 or greater). Confidence intervals (95%) are calculated for each dose at each time point using two-way ANOVA. This model is a modified version of the procedure described in Rechter, “Estimation of anticholinergic drug effects in mice by antagonism against pilocarpine-induced salivation” Ata Pharmacol Toxicol 24:243-254 (1996).

The mean weight of saliva in vehicle-treated animals, at each pre-treatment time, is calculated and used to compute % inhibition of salivation, at the corresponding pre-treatment time, at each dose. The inhibition dose-response data are fitted to a four parameter logistic equation using GraphPad Prism, version 3.00 for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.) to estimate anti-sialagogue ID₅₀ (dose required to inhibit 50% of pilocarpine-evoked salivation). The following equation is used: Y=Min+(Max−Min)/(1+10^(((log ID50-X)*Hillslope))) where X is the logarithm of dose, Y is the response (% inhibition of salivation). Y starts at Min and approaches asymptotically to Max with a sigmoidal shape.

The ratio of the anti-sialagogue ID₅₀ to bronchoprotective ID₅₀ is used to compute the apparent lung-selectivity index of the test compound. Generally, compounds having an apparent lung-selectivity index greater than about 5 are preferred. Compounds of the invention are expected to have an apparent lung-selectivity index greater than 5, when tested in this or a similar assay.

Assay 5 Methacholine-Induced Depressor Responses in Conscious Guinea Pigs

Healthy, adult, male Sprague-Dawley guinea pigs (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.), weighing between 200 and 300 g are used in these studies. Under isoflurane anesthesia (to effect), animals are instrumented with common carotid artery and jugular vein catheters (PE-50 tubing). The catheters are exteriorized utilizing a subcutaneous tunnel to the subscapular area. All surgical incisions are sutured with 4-0 Ethicon Silk and the catheters locked with heparin (1000 units/mL). Each animal is administered saline (3 mL, SC) at the end of surgery as well as buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg, IM). Animals are allowed to recover on a heating pad before being returned to their holding rooms.

Approximately 18 to 20 hours following surgery, the animals are weighed and the carotid artery catheter on each animal is connected to a transducer for recording arterial pressure. Arterial pressure and heart rate are recorded using a Biopac MP-100 Acquisition System. Animals are allowed to acclimate and stabilize for a period of 20 minutes.

Each animal is challenged with MCh (0.3 mg/kg, IV) administered through the jugular venous line and the cardiovascular response is monitored for 10 minutes. The animals are then placed into the whole body dosing chamber, which is connected to a nebulizer containing the test compound or vehicle solution. The solution is nebulized for 10 minutes using a gas mixture of breathable air and 5% carbon dioxide with a flow rate of 3 liters/minute. The animals are then removed from the whole body chamber and returned to their respective cages. At 1.5 and 24 hours post-dosing, the animals are re-challenged with MCh (0.3 mg/kg, IV) and the hemodynamic response is determined. Thereafter, the animals are euthanized with sodium pentobarbital (150 mg/kg, IV).

MCh produces a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decrease in heart rate (bradycardia). The peak decrease, from baseline, in MAP (depressor responses) is measured for each MCh challenge (before and after IH dosing). The effects of treatment on the MCh responses are expressed as % inhibition (mean+/−SEM) of the control depressor responses. Two-way ANOVA with the appropriate post-hoc test is used to test the effects of treatment and pre-treatment time. The depressor responses to MCh are expected to be relatively unchanged at 1.5 and 24 hours after inhalation dosing with vehicle.

The ratio of the anti-depressor ID₅₀ to bronchoprotective ID₅₀ is used to compute apparent lung-selectivity of the test compound. Generally, compounds having an apparent lung-selectivity index greater than 5 are preferred. It is expected that the compounds of the invention will exhibit an apparent lung-selectivity index greater than 5, as measured in this or a similar assay.

While the present invention has been described with reference to specific aspects or embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skilled in the art that various changes can be made or equivalents can be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, to the extent permitted by applicable patent statues and regulations, all publications, patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each document had been individually incorporated by reference herein. 

1. A compound of formula I:

wherein: a is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 5; each R¹ is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, halo, —OR^(1a), —C(O)OR^(1b), —SR^(1c), —S(O)R^(1d), —S(O)₂R^(1e), —NR^(1f)R^(1g), —NR^(1h)S(O)₂R^(1i), and —NR^(1j)C(O)R^(1k); where each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R^(1c), R^(1d), R^(1e), R^(1f), R^(1g), R^(1h), R^(1i), R^(1j), and R^(1k) is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl; b is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 4; each R² is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, halo, —OR^(2a), —C(O)OR^(2b), —SR^(2c), —S(O)R^(2d), —S(O)₂R^(2e), —NR^(2f)R^(2g), —NR^(2h)S(O)₂R^(2i), and NR^(2j)C(O)R^(2k); where each of R^(2a), R^(2b), R^(2c), R^(2d), R^(2e), R^(2f), R^(2g), R^(2h), R^(2i), R^(2j), and R^(2k) is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl; W represents O or NW^(a), where W^(a) is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; c is 2 and the R³ groups are at the 2 and 6-positions on the piperidine ring and are joined to form an ethylene bridge; d and fare independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 10, provided that the number of contiguous atoms in the shortest chain between the two nitrogen atoms is in the range of from 7 to 17; Q is selected from:

where R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (3-6C)cycloalkyl, or are taken together to form (2-4C)alkylene or (2-3C)alkenylene; Y is selected from:

where: R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-4C)cycloalkyl, —C(O)(1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)OR^(4a), —C(O)heterocyclyl, —C(O)CH(NH₂)(1-4C)alkyleneX, -(1-4C)alkyleneC(O)X′, —C(O)(1-4C)alkyleneX′, and —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyleneX′; where X is a nitrogen-containing substituent selected from —NR^(4b)R^(4c) and heteroaryl; X′ is a nitrogen-containing substituent selected from —NR^(4d)R^(4e) and heterocyclyl; R^(4a) is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; each of R^(4b), R^(4c), R^(4d) and R^(1e) independently represents hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl or hydroxyphenyl, and where (1-4C)alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from amido, cyano, furyl, hydroxyl, and methylimidazolyl; the heterocyclyl contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, and is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, amido, (1-4C)alkoxy, oxo, —S(O)₂(1-4C)alkyl, —(CH₂)O(1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(4f)R^(4g) and —C(O)NR^(4h)R^(4i), where each of R^(4f), R^(4g), R^(4h) and R^(4i) independently represents hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; and the heteroaryl contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms; Z is selected from (1-3C)alkylene, —C(O)(1-3C)alkylene, (1-3C)alkyleneC(O)—, —SO₂—, —SO₂(1-3C)alkylene and (1-3C)alkyleneSO₂—; where the alkylene group in any Z is optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl and —NR^(Za)R^(Zb); wherein R^(Za) and R^(Zb) are independently selected from hydrogen and (1-4C)alkyl; p is 0, 1 or 2; each R⁵ independently represents (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, cyano, nitro, halo, N,N-di(1-4C)alkylamino(2-4C)alkoxy, —OR^(5a), —C(O)OR^(5b), —SR^(5c), —S(O)R^(5d), —S(O)₂R^(5e) or each of R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c), R^(5d), R^(5e), R^(5f) and R^(5g) is independently hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl, wherein each phenyl group is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy; and R⁶ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), and phenyl, each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; or R⁶ is taken together with R⁵ to form a ring having 1 to 2 oxygen atoms, where said ring is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 (1-4C)alkyl substituents; q is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; r is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; each R⁷ independently represents fluoro or (1-4C)alkyl; R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, —OH, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(8a)R^(8b), —C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b), and —CH₂C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b), where R^(8a) and R^(8b) are independently selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy, (1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkyleneOR^(8c), (3-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, and (1-4C)alkyleneC(O)NR^(8d)R^(8e), where said (3-6C)cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 (1-6C)alkyl or —NR^(8d)R^(8e) groups, and where each of R^(8c), R^(8d) and R^(8e) is independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; or R^(8a) is taken together with R^(8b) to form a 3-7 membered ring, optionally substituted with hydroxyl; R⁹ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and -(1-4C)alkyleneOH; and R¹⁰ is selected from (1-4C)alkyl, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, -(1-4C)alkylene(3-6C)cycloalkyl, and (1-4C)alkyleneC(O)NR^(10a)R¹⁰b, where R¹⁰a and R¹⁰b are independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ are taken together to form a ring selected from piperazinone, morpholine, and piperazine; and said piperazine is substituted with (R¹⁰c)_(w) where w is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3 and each R¹⁰c is independently selected from (1-4C)alkyl, phenyl and benzyl, optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents, or two R^(10c) groups are joined to form (1-3C)alkylene; wherein each alkyl and alkoxy group in R¹, R^(1a-1k), R², R^(2a-2k), R⁵, R^(5a-5g), R⁶, R^(6a-b), and R^(8a-e) is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 fluoro substituents; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein a and b each represent
 0. 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein W represents O.
 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein d is 0 or
 1. 5. The compound of claim 1, wherein f is 0, 1 or
 3. 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein Q is


7. The compound of claim 6, wherein R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are independently selected from hydrogen and methyl; d is 0; and f is 0, 1 or
 3. 8. The compound of claim 6, wherein R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form ethylene; and d and fare both
 1. 9. The compound of claim 1, wherein Q is


10. The compound of claim 9, wherein d and fare both
 1. 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein Y is


12. The compound of claim 11, wherein R⁴ is hydrogen; Z is selected from (1-3C)alkylene and —SO₂—; p is 0 or p is 1 and R⁵ is OR^(5a), where R^(5a) is selected from (1-4C)alkyl and (3-6C)cycloalkyl; and R⁶ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (1-4C)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), where each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁶ is taken together with R⁵ to form a ring having 2 oxygen atoms.
 13. The compound of claim 1, wherein Y is


14. The compound of claim 13, wherein q is 1 or 2; r is 0; and R⁸ is selected from hydrogen, —OH, -(1-4C)alkyleneOH, —NR^(8a)R^(8b), and —C(O)NR^(8a)R^(8b), where R^(8a) and R^(8b) are independently selected from hydrogen and (1-4C)alkyl.
 15. The compound of claim 1, wherein Y is —NR⁹R¹⁰.
 16. The compound of claim 15, wherein R⁹ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and -(1-4C)alkyleneOH; and R¹⁰ is selected from (1-4C)alkyl and -(1-4C)alkyleneOH; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ are taken together to form a piperazinone ring.
 17. The compound of claim 1, wherein a and b are 0; W represents O; d and fare 1; Q is

where R^(Qa) and R^(Qb) are taken together to form ethylene; and Y is


18. The compound of claim 17, wherein R⁴ is hydrogen and Z is (1-3C)alkylene.
 19. The compound of claim 17, wherein p is 0 or p is 1 and R⁵ is —OR^(5a), where R^(5a) is selected from (1-4C)alkyl and (3-6C)cycloalkyl.
 20. The compound of claim 17, wherein R⁶ is selected from hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, and (1-4C)alkyleneNR^(6a)R^(6b), where each of R^(6a) and R^(6b) is (1-4C)alkyl.
 21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim
 1. 